Apple sues OpenAI over alleged theft of hardware secrets

Apple has sued OpenAI, alleging that former employees who have since joined the AI company have stolen Apple's trade secrets for OpenAI's benefit. The lawsuit claims Apple has uncovered evidence of a "pattern of theft of Apple's trade secrets by OpenAI employees who were formerly at Apple."

The complaint specifically names IO Products, the hardware startup founded by Jony Ive which OpenAI acquired in 2025, as well as Tang Tan, OpenAI's chief hardware officer, and Chang Liu, who joined OpenAI from Apple in January.

This legal action highlights the growing competition and potential intellectual property disputes in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector. Apple's move signifies a strong stance on protecting its proprietary information and technological advancements.

The outcome of this lawsuit could set precedents for how trade secrets are handled in the tech industry, particularly concerning employee transitions between major companies and the protection of sensitive hardware development information.