OpenAI alleges former employee shared unreleased device plans with Apple leadership

OpenAI has alleged that a former employee who returned to Apple transferred more than 100 confidential files concerning an unreleased device to personal accounts and subsequently disclosed the company's product plans to Apple's senior leadership, Reuters reported.

In a filing before a federal court in San Jose, California, OpenAI claimed the employee had previously moved from Apple to OpenAI, worked at the artificial intelligence company for six months and then rejoined the iPhone maker. The files allegedly included product images, engineering and manufacturing information, supplier details and technical documentation relating to hardware components.

OpenAI further alleged that the former employee presented the company's product plans to senior Apple executives, including its vice president of operations in Asia. According to the filing, the presentation took place months before the latest allegations came to light.

The company raised concerns that the information could influence Apple's development of AI-enabled products. It pointed to Apple's launch of HomeView this week as an indication of the company's expanding ambitions in the segment.

Apple, however, has rejected the allegations, saying it has established safeguards to prevent incoming employees from using confidential information belonging to previous employers. The company said its investigation had not uncovered evidence supporting OpenAI's claims.

In a letter made public through a separate court filing, Apple's lawyers said the personal phone numbers identified by OpenAI as recipients of the files did not correspond to the number the employee used for his Apple work. They also said the company had not found OpenAI files on the servers it examined and had no prior knowledge of the alleged presentation. Apple sought further details from OpenAI, which it said had not responded before taking the matter to court. Apple added that it would continue cooperating with the investigation.

An escalating trade secrets dispute

The latest allegations have emerged from an existing legal battle initiated by Apple earlier this year.

Apple accused former employees of taking confidential company information to OpenAI's hardware division. OpenAI has denied those claims and challenged Apple's allegations.

Apple also alleged that former employees who joined OpenAI advised colleagues considering a move to the AI company on what information to bring to job interviews.

The dispute reflects the growing competition between the companies as both pursue AI-powered consumer devices. OpenAI has been developing its own hardware ambitions, while Apple has expanded its efforts to incorporate AI into its product ecosystem.

Earlier this week, US District Court Judge Edward Davila granted part of Apple's request for accelerated access to digital evidence from OpenAI. The judge allowed Apple to collect data from certain former employees' devices and arrange depositions involving three individuals on an expedited schedule.

The case is expected to reach trial in October 2027, although OpenAI has indicated in court filings that it could be prepared to proceed as early as June 2027.

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