The 6 most dangerous arguments in Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI

When Apple employees were asked about work at OpenAI, the head of AI tools reportedly asked them to reveal something unusual: the tools they were working on were unreleased samples. That’s according to blockbuster case written by Apple, which opposes it OpenAI steals confidential documentslooking at the hardware drawings, and tricking one of the trusted people into using the sales method.

The case revolves around the actions of three people:

They are accused of being part of a conspiracy to continue stealing Apple’s secrets as OpenAI prepares its first AI device, due next year.

Here are the most surprising claims in Apple’s 41-page filing.

Liu says he keeps an Apple computer, which allows him to download many confidential files

After announcing his plans to leave Apple, Mr. Liu reportedly did not respond to requests to sign a non-disclosure agreement, schedule an exit interview, or confirm that he would return the company’s equipment, as is customary when leaving Apple. Instead, Apple says Liu “failed to return only one Apple computer,” and told another employee, Peng, that he still had “another computer.”

Liu says he also found Apple’s cloud storage after he left the company, using a proven vulnerability that Apple didn’t know about. “Mr. Liu celebrated what he found with Ms. Peng and started using it: ‘LOL, I realized that I can use

(network storage), very funny,'” Apple says. Immediately Peng replied: “‘I’m ready.’

Apple accuses Liu of downloading dozens of confidential files from its storage systems, including technical documents, unreleased product details, and technical specifications, including one detailing the design and testing of Apple’s motherboards.

Peng is accused of stealing Apple’s secrets from Liu

In the months after Liu’s departure, Peng reportedly retained Liu to provide information on Apple projects, technical information, and vendor relations. “Ms. Peng and Mr. Liu would collaborate closely on these secret projects, while Mr. Liu was working on developing competing OpenAI tools,” Apple says. “Mr. Liu’s work at OpenAI was informed by confidential Apple information from Ms. Peng.”

Apple also claims that Liu informed Peng how to access and copy files from Apple devices “to avoid trouble with the security team,” and showed him “Apple project folders and technical information.” Peng left Apple for OpenAI in April 2026.

OpenAI’s hardware head reportedly digs into Apple’s secret projects during interviews

Tan is accused of soliciting Apple’s confidential information by interviewing OpenAI job candidates – and asking them questions. Apple says Liu told Peng about how a former Apple employee “misled” his answers to a question Tan asked about “the most secret function of Apple’s new product.” Liu then allegedly downloaded “a lot of information” using Apple’s Internet connection to help Peng prepare for his interview.

In one instance, Apple says a former employee began “scanning and downloading files related to a secret Apple project” before contacting OpenAI. Tan is accused of asking for information about the same project during the interview. Last year, Tan he agreed to receive the secrets of starting AI tools before joining Ive’s io.

Tan asks former Apple employees to share sessions and examples of “show and tell”

Besides asking for information about Apple’s secret services, Tan is accused of telling interviewees to bring hardware and samples of their work to Apple for “show and tell sessions:”

For example, messages left on a device manufactured by Apple show that Mr. Tan instructed an Apple employee to “bring some parts (he) had worked on” such as “Batteries,” “SIP” (Systems-in-Package), “mlb” (Multi-layer or large logic boards), and “shields” and that “it would be good to show Apple” some parts.

In addition, OpenAI is accused of asking respondents to prepare “Technical Deep Dive” presentations, with images revealing the secrets of their work at Apple.

OpenAI reportedly “taught” Apple employees how to bypass security measures

Apple says Tan kept an internal document detailing ways to lay off employees. OpenAI says it used the information to warn employees from Apple about the company’s security risks, and “educate” them on how to avoid them.

The AI ​​giant also instructed Apple employees not to disclose their new employer, and gave instructions on how to avoid a “scare walk,” which could result in them being fired from the company, barring them from accessing Apple’s systems for a full two weeks, the lawsuit alleges. OpenAI is accused of telling Apple employees “not to sign anything when asked,” and if asked to sign a document, to tell OpenAI “immediately.”

In the lawsuit, Apple says that OpenAI’s proposed methods “appear to meet their requirements.” Apple says it has noticed a “recent trend of employees moving from Apple to OpenAI and taking steps to prevent security,” including employees “not paying attention to security updates to fix exits and security checks.”

Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing its metal-finishing process

Apple says OpenAI has used its secrets to access its “trusted partners,” including one that has a multi-metal advertising system for its products. OpenAI allegedly misled an Apple partner, leading the company to believe that OpenAI had Apple’s license to use the metalworking process. “Apple has not granted OpenAI or io a license to use or access any of Apple’s confidential information or secrets, including information provided to the partner,” Apple says.

Apple also criticizes OpenAI for approaching “at least” one supplier that works with Apple on energy and battery-related products. OpenAI says it used secrets and internal codenames to ask “directed questions” about Apple’s components “that may be useful to advance OpenAI’s goals.”

OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri provided this information Seaside Friday: “We’re not interested in the privacy of other companies. We’re focused on creating technology that empowers people everywhere.”