# Apple Sues OpenAI for Alleged Theft of Trade Secrets OpenAI is accused of stealing information about Apple's future products. - **Source:** [Macworld](https://brifing.si/source/5c5245ce-d063-40e0-bd54-48b60cbc761f) - **Published:** 2026-07-11 - **Topic:** [Entrepreneurship](https://brifing.si/c/entrepreneurship) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/6f3eb5a5-0d53-4966-b561-656d6896111c ## Apple's Lawsuit Against OpenAI Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of stealing information about future products. Although the two companies collaborated on ChatGPT integration in iOS 18, OpenAI is alleged to be developing hardware products that compete with Apple's AI-powered accessories. ## OpenAI's Hardware Ambitions OpenAI is reportedly working not only on software but also on hardware products. These products are expected to compete with Apple's AI-powered accessories. The company has also brought on Apple's famed designer, Jony Ive. ## Employee Transfers OpenAI is alleged to have poached over 400 employees from Apple. These employees are accused of sharing information about Apple's future products, which OpenAI allegedly used to its advantage. ## The Role of Tang Tan OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer, Tang Tan, was previously Vice President of Product Design at Apple. Tan is accused of unauthorized access to Apple's shared network folders and downloading confidential files. ## Apple's Demands Apple demands that OpenAI cease its practices, destroy trade secrets, and redesign its products to avoid using Apple's technology. The company is also seeking damages and a jury trial. ## The Future of Competition This lawsuit highlights the increasing competition in AI and hardware. The dispute between Apple and OpenAI underscores the importance of protecting trade secrets and competition law in the tech world. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.macworld.com/article/3189066/apple-sues-openai-exec-for-theft-of-trade-secrets.html — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._