Apple Sues OpenAI Over Hardware Secrets
rohanpaul_ai · x · 2026-07-11
Apple is suing OpenAI, alleging it used Apple's trade secrets in its hardware projects. Key allegations include: former Apple employees Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu are central figures; after leaving, Liu retained an Apple laptop and exploited an authentication loophole to access the internal network, downloading files related to unreleased hardware, specs, and engineering projects.
Apple also claims Tan emailed himself supplier info and internal industry summaries before leaving, and encouraged job candidates to bring genuine Apple parts so OpenAI could inspect components directly. Furthermore, Apple alleges OpenAI had a supplier use Apple's proprietary metal surface finishing techniques to accelerate hardware development.
The lawsuit follows OpenAI's $6.5 billion acquisition of Jony Ive's io Products. The post notes over 400 former Apple employees currently work in related teams. OpenAI denies seeking rivals' trade secrets, while Apple demands the destruction of related information and a product redesign.
Related event: Apple Sues OpenAI for Allegedly Stealing Hardware Secrets(75 posts)→
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