Technology
Apple sues OpenAI over alleged hiring raids and trade secret theft
A newly filed lawsuit accuses the AI startup of orchestrating a coordinated scheme to recruit Apple engineers and pilfer confidential hardware designs.
The Verge
Apple has filed a comprehensive legal complaint against OpenAI, alleging an elaborate operation to recruit its employees and extract proprietary information as the AI company develops its own hardware products. The 41-page filing reveals tactics ranging from coaching departing workers on security evasion to requesting confidential prototypes during job interviews.
Who's at the center of the dispute#
Three individuals feature prominently in the allegations. Tang Tan, a 24-year Apple veteran who oversaw the Apple Watch, departed the company to join Jony Ive's hardware venture io—which OpenAI subsequently acquired, bringing Tan on as chief hardware officer. Chang Liu, an iPhone systems engineer with over eight years at Apple, moved to OpenAI in January 2026. Yu-Ting "Alyssa" Peng, also a former Apple staffer, joined OpenAI in April 2026. Together, they are accused of orchestrating ongoing efforts to access and share Apple's confidential designs.
Retained access and unauthorized downloads#
Apple alleges that Liu failed to return company equipment when he departed, subsequently using an authentication gap in Apple's systems to download dozens of restricted files weeks after leaving. According to the complaint, Liu acknowledged his ability to access Apple's cloud storage in messages to Peng, later obtaining technical specifications, unreleased product details, and engineering documentation—including schematics for Apple's main circuit boards. Peng allegedly continued feeding Liu proprietary information about Apple's engineering work and supplier relationships while he was developing competing hardware for OpenAI.
Interview tactics and "show and tell"#
The lawsuit describes Tan as having directed interviewees to bring physical Apple components and unreleased samples to job meetings, requesting presentations on confidential projects. One message allegedly instructed a candidate to bring batteries, packaging systems, logic boards, and shielding components. Apple contends that Liu downloaded files specifically to help Peng prepare for her own interview, and that Tan quizzed candidates on details of secret Apple initiatives.
