Apple accuses OpenAI of misusing confidential Apple material and destroying evidence
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| Source: Mastodon | Original article
Apple alleges OpenAI is destroying key evidence and that a former iPhone engineer used Apple’s confidential material in his work at the AI firm.
Apple has escalated its trade‑secret lawsuit against OpenAI with a fresh filing in the Northern District of California, alleging that the AI firm is actively destroying key evidence. The court brief says former iPhone engineer Chang Liu “downloaded a confidential Apple circuit schematic” and then used that material in his work at OpenAI. Apple further claims OpenAI is shredding or otherwise disposing of documents that could prove the alleged misuse.
The allegation deepens a dispute that erupted earlier this month when Apple accused OpenAI of misappropriating proprietary hardware designs. OpenAI responded by denying the claims and characterising the case as “a mess of Apple’s own making” (see our report on 1 September 2026). If Apple’s accusations are upheld, the case could force OpenAI to halt development that incorporates the disputed material, impose monetary penalties, and set a precedent for how AI companies handle former‑employee data. The controversy also highlights the broader tension between hardware giants and fast‑moving AI firms over the ownership of technical knowledge.
The next steps will hinge on the court’s decision on Apple’s request for expedited discovery. Watch for a ruling on whether OpenAI must preserve additional records, any sanctions for alleged spoliation, and OpenAI’s formal response to the new filing. The outcome could influence future collaborations between AI developers and hardware manufacturers, and may prompt tighter safeguards around employee transitions in the tech sector.
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