Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that three former employees stole confidential information to benefit OpenAI's upcoming hardware product. The legal action centers on Tang Tan, Chang Liu, and Yu-Ting "Alyssa" Peng, all ex-Apple staff who joined OpenAI between 2024 and 2026. Tan, a 24-year Apple veteran and former Apple Watch vice president, moved to Jony Ive's hardware startup io, which OpenAI acquired last year, and was later named OpenAI's chief hardware officer. Liu, who worked on the iPhone as a systems electrical engineer for over eight years, joined OpenAI in January 2026. Peng, another former Apple engineer, joined OpenAI in April 2026. Apple claims Liu retained an Apple-owned computer after leaving and used it to download dozens of confidential files. He allegedly accessed Apple's cloud storage weeks after departure by exploiting an unknown authentication flaw. According to the filing, Liu messaged Peng, "LOL, I found out I can access the [network storage], so funny," and she responded, "I'm ready." Apple states he downloaded technical specifications, unreleased product details, and engineering documents, including data on logic board manufacturing. Peng is accused of sharing ongoing Apple project information with Liu while still employed, providing him with vendor details and engineering insights. The company claims Liu guided Peng on how to copy files without detection and directed her to specific proprietary folders. Apple also alleges that OpenAI's hardware chief interviewed Apple employees and asked them to bring unreleased product samples and components to meetings. The lawsuit spans 41 pages and links the individuals' movements to OpenAI's planned AI hardware launch next year.
Apple's lawsuit paints a picture of high-stakes corporate espionage involving trusted engineers and unsecured data pathways. The claim that an employee exploited an unknown authentication flaw to access confidential systems weeks after departure suggests gaps in Apple's offboarding protocols. If OpenAI's hardware development relied on Apple's trade secrets, it could face legal and reputational consequences before launch. The case hinges on digital footprints and internal communications that may reveal how easily proprietary information can move with personnel.
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