Apple filed a lawsuit on Friday against OpenAI, alleging that several former Apple employees passed on confidential information to the California start-up after being hired away.
Apple–OpenAI partnership and the breakdown in relations
The case signals a sharp escalation in friction between the two companies. In 2024, they had teamed up to bring ChatGPT-OpenAI’s artificial intelligence (AI) interface-into Apple products.
Since that collaboration, however, the relationship between Apple and OpenAI has deteriorated markedly.
What Apple alleges OpenAI did
In court papers lodged at the federal court in San Jose, California, Apple claims OpenAI pursued a "strategy" "to extract confidential information" originating from Apple.
Apple says the suspected conduct is connected to OpenAI’s push into physical consumer hardware-an area where, according to Apple, the AI lab had no prior experience.
Allegations involving Tang Tan and io Products
Alongside OpenAI, the claim specifically names two former Apple executives. One of them is Tang Tan, a co-founder of the start-up io Products with Jony Ive, Apple’s former head of product design.
OpenAI acquired io Products in May 2025 for $6.5 billion-an important step in the ChatGPT maker’s diversification, as it plans to launch, by 2027, a range of AI-centred devices.
Apple alleges that when Tang Tan left the company in 2024, he took internal documents with him.
Now leading physical product work at OpenAI, Tang Tan is said-according to the court filing-to have been actively seeking additional information from Apple employees applying for roles at the AI leader.
Allegations involving Chang Liu
Another former Apple employee, Chang Liu, is accused of keeping internal devices after leaving Apple in 2026 and of continuing to access Apple’s internal computer network.
Apple acknowledges: "Given that more than 400 former Apple employees currently work at OpenAI, it is not surprising that some have knowledge of confidential and protected information".
"But OpenAI chose to exploit that information", the iPhone maker argues.
Apple describes the findings-now formal allegations-as "the tip of the iceberg", adding that it only has limited visibility into what is happening inside OpenAI.
OpenAI’s response
In a statement, an OpenAI spokesperson said the company "is not interested in confidential information of other companies", while also noting that it is still reviewing the accusations.
What Apple is asking the court to do
Apple is asking the court to bar OpenAI from using confidential information obtained from Apple staff, past or present. It is also seeking damages, without specifying an amount.
The lawsuit risks putting some obstacles in OpenAI’s path at a time when the company is preparing for a long-anticipated stock market listing.
For OpenAI-valued at around $852 billion-expansion into consumer devices is seen as a key driver of growth.
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