Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of misappropriating trade secrets and confidential data to develop its own artificial intelligence devices. The legal conflict represents an abrupt shift in relations between the two tech giants, who previously collaborated on integrating ChatGPT into Apple’s ecosystem.
According to Apple’s allegations, OpenAI lured employees away from the company and pressured them to surrender classified information—including details about upcoming products, designs, and internal operations. The complaint claims that former OpenAI staff gained unauthorized access to confidential data regarding unreleased technologies. Specific individuals named include Tang Yu Tang, a former Apple vice president who allegedly obtained supplier information and requested candidates to bring real Apple components to interviews at OpenAI for additional sensitive materials. Another employee, Chang Liu, is accused of exploiting authentication vulnerabilities after being terminated to download dozens of confidential hardware files from internal networks.
OpenAI denies all allegations, asserting it does not misuse trade secrets from other companies. The firm has recently accelerated its consumer device ambitions by acquiring IO design studio—founded by former Apple chief designer Johnny Ive—for $6.5 billion in 2025 and expanding recruitment of Apple employees.
The lawsuit follows a recent reversal in the relationship between Apple and OpenAI. Earlier this year, Apple integrated ChatGPT into iPhone, iPad, and Mac systems, but its updated Siri now relies on Google’s Gemini model instead of ChatGPT. This shift has intensified scrutiny over the companies’ collaboration dynamics.
The dispute also intersects with broader legal tensions involving Elon Musk. In a separate case resolved in May 2026, a jury dismissed Musk’s $150 billion claim against OpenAI and its leadership, ruling his lawsuit was filed too late. Musk had accused the company of abandoning its non-profit status to prioritize commercialization, demanding management removal, shutdown of its commercial division, and compensation for alleged losses. Apple’s lawsuit adds another layer to this ongoing conflict between AI pioneers.
The legal battles underscore growing complexities in the artificial intelligence sector as companies navigate competing technological ambitions and intellectual property rights.
