The world of technology is witnessing a gigantic legal battle in the race for dominance in the artificial intelligence market. In its lawsuit filed in the Northern District Court of California, Apple alleged that OpenAI unlawfully seized confidential trade secrets and next-generation device designs.
The lawsuit alleged that OpenAI used this confidential information in its new artificial intelligence-based hardware projects it is developing and which are expected to launch this year. Apple based the lawsuit on misuse of trade secrets and breach of contract.
Former employees and critical documents
At the center of Apple's allegations are former employees who recently joined OpenAI employees.
The company alleged that engineer Chang Liu, who left Apple in January 2026 to join OpenAI, did not return the company's computers during the exit process and downloaded dozens of confidential hardware files, technical presentations and specifications of Apple's yet-to-be-released products through his former colleague's computer.
Another key name in the case was Tang Tan, Apple's former iPhone and Apple Watch design lead and current head of OpenAI Hardware.
Apple alleged that Tan shared supplier information with OpenAI before his resignation and instructed Apple engineers to bring company-made parts during the hiring process.
OpenAI spokesperson Drew Pusateri disputed the allegations, arguing that they are not interested in other companies' trade secrets and are only focused on developing innovative technologies.
From partnerships to legal disputes
This case also showed that relations between the two technology giants were completely broken. Apple and OpenAI have announced a major partnership to integrate ChatGPT into Apple products in 2024.
However, in recent months it has been claimed that OpenAI is considering filing an infringement lawsuit on the grounds that Apple has not sufficiently highlighted its own products. It is said that OpenAI, which recently hired at least 10 senior engineers from Apple, wants to use these transfers to build a hardware division that will compete directly with Apple.
The balance sheets in the industry can change
While the artificial intelligence device under development is expected to launch towards the end of this year, it is stated that the filed lawsuit could disrupt that timeline.
Additionally, this legal process could complicate the multi-billion dollar initial public offering (IPO) that OpenAI plans to conduct in the near future.
While industry experts predict that artificial intelligence assistants will reduce screen and application addiction in the future, the outcome of this case is expected to directly impact the race for leadership in the tech world.
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