Apple accuses OpenAI of systematically stealing hardware secrets; the former partners have completely fallen out

According to Beating monitoring, Apple has sued OpenAI, its hardware executive Tang Tan, and former Apple engineer Chang Liu, accusing the three of organized theft of Apple business secrets to develop OpenAI’s own hardware.

Apple claims that OpenAI encourages Apple employees to provide information about unreleased products, components, and design drawings during interviews. Employees preparing to change jobs are also instructed to conceal their destination, to prevent Apple from shutting off internal access in advance.

Liu joined OpenAI this January. Apple accuses him of downloading dozens of confidential files before resigning, including materials related to unreleased products, technical specifications, and project data.

Tan previously oversaw the design of products such as the iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. After leaving Apple, he helped found the hardware company io Products. OpenAI acquired this company last year for $6.5 billion.

Apple is asking OpenAI to stop using and destroy the relevant materials, and to redesign any unreleased products that may use Apple technology.

OpenAI responded that the company has “no interest” in other companies’ business secrets and will continue focusing on developing innovative technologies that benefit users worldwide.

The two companies previously cooperated to integrate ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence. Now that OpenAI has begun developing hardware in-house, the two have gone from partners to litigation opponents.