OpenAI Claims Former Employee Smuggled 100+ Secret Files to Apple — Yes, That Apple
The OpenAI-versus-Apple trade secrets saga just got considerably messier. OpenAI has filed court documents accusing a former employee of walking out the door with over 100 confidential files related to unreleased hardware, apparently destined for his next employer: Apple.
The unnamed individual reportedly came from Apple originally, spent roughly six months at OpenAI, then headed straight back to Cupertino. According to the filing, he transferred sensitive documents to personal accounts before leaving, including images of at least one unreleased OpenAI device, engineering and manufacturing data, supplier details, finish specifications, and reports on coating and sealing processes. Some of this allegedly happened just after midnight in Singapore on June 2, described as his final day at the company.
This wasn't just a personal data hoard, if OpenAI's account is accurate. The filing also alleges that the ex-employee presented OpenAI's product roadmap to senior Apple leadership, including the company's vice president of operations for Asia. OpenAI is now pointing to Apple's recent push into AI hardware, including newly announced smart home products, and suggesting there might be a connection worth investigating.
"OpenAI is very concerned that its trade secret and confidential information is now circulating inside Apple, where Apple engineers can shape Apple's upcoming products based on OpenAI's confidential and innovative work," the company told the court.
Apple, for its part, says it found nothing to support these claims and maintains it has policies to prevent staff from importing confidential material from previous employers. Standard corporate line, but there it is.
The timing here is worth a moment's pause. Back in July, Apple was the one doing the accusing. Cupertino sued OpenAI along with former employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, alleging they carried confidential hardware engineering information out of Apple to help OpenAI build its own devices. OpenAI denied everything, stating it had no interest in other companies' trade secrets.
Now OpenAI is making almost the identical accusation in reverse. Neither side has clean hands in this particular soap opera.
Crucially, OpenAI has not yet demonstrated that Apple actually received, read, or acted on any of the allegedly transferred material. The company has asked the court for time to investigate and to potentially file counterclaims. None have been filed yet.
So right now, the AI hardware arms race has a surprisingly analogue subplot: two of the biggest names in tech, both accusing each other of having sticky fingers.