OpenAI hardware ambitions trigger legal battle
Apple's complaint alleges that OpenAI systematically poached over 400 Apple employees and instructed job candidates to bring confidential documents and even 'actual parts' to interviews. The lawsuit names Tang Tan, OpenAI's chief hardware officer and a former Apple vice president, as a central figure. Apple claims Tan took detailed information about Apple's supplier network and a proprietary metal-finishing technique.
Stolen laptop and authentication bug cited
Among the more striking allegations, Apple describes an incident where a former employee allegedly stole a laptop containing unreleased product specifications. The suit also references a secret authentication bug that OpenAI employees are said to have exploited. Apple says it launched an internal investigation after detecting unusual data access patterns linked to employees who later joined OpenAI.
2024 partnership now in shambles
The lawsuit reverses the trajectory of Apple and OpenAI's relationship, which began with a high-profile 2024 partnership integrating ChatGPT into iPhones. Apple is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction preventing OpenAI from using the allegedly stolen intellectual property. Legal experts expect a protracted discovery process that could expose OpenAI's internal hardware development roadmap. OpenAI has not yet filed a formal response.