Apple accuses OpenAI of systematically stealing hardware confidential information

ME AI news, July 11 (UTC+8): Apple sued OpenAI, its hardware chief Tang Tan, and former Apple engineer Chang Liu, accusing the three of organized theft of Apple’s trade secrets for developing OpenAI’s own hardware.

Apple says OpenAI encouraged Apple employees, during interviews, to provide information about unreleased products, parts, and design drawings. Employees preparing to change jobs were also instructed to conceal their destinations 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 his departure, including unreleased product materials, 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 the company last year for $6.5 billion.

Apple asked OpenAI to stop using and destroy the related materials and also to redesign any unreleased products that might use Apple technology.

OpenAI responded that the company is “not interested” in other companies’ trade secrets and will continue focusing on developing innovative technologies that benefit users worldwide.

The two companies had previously collaborated to integrate ChatGPT with Siri and Apple Intelligence. Now that OpenAI has begun building its own hardware, the two have shifted from partners to litigation opponents. (Source: Bloomberg)