Apple filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on July 10, 2026, alleging that OpenAI and two former Apple employees misappropriated confidential information to develop a new AI hardware device. The complaint detailed a scheme in which former Apple designer Tang Tan and former electrical engineer Chang Liu directed Apple interview candidates to provide unreleased hardware details, and Liu retained an Apple laptop after leaving the company to download confidential documents. Apple said Tan warned new hires not to disclose their OpenAI employment to Apple, retained a "Need to Know" document describing departure security procedures, and shared it with OpenAI hires before they notified Apple of their resignations. Messages on Apple devices indicated Tan and Liu distributed the document. Apple also said OpenAI recruited employees who emailed themselves confidential data and used Apple supplier relationships to obtain trade‑secret metal‑finishing techniques for an OpenAI device. The lawsuit claims Liu kept an Apple‑issued laptop, exploited a vulnerability to download dozens of Apple files, and communicated with Apple employee Alyssa Peng, who supplied updates on projects and vendor decisions. Apple further alleges that OpenAI instructed new hires to bring hardware components such as batteries, system‑in‑package modules, and logic boards to interviews, a practice it says was not isolated. The complaint seeks an injunction to prevent OpenAI from possessing, using, or disclosing Apple’s technology and requests damages to be determined at trial. Apple also sues Tan and Liu for breach of contract. The suit notes that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, though Apple says the lawsuit does not target the broader recruitment effort. Apple previously contacted OpenAI in February 2026 about the suspected theft but received no response, prompting the filing. The complaint characterizes OpenAI’s hardware business as built on alleged misappropriated trade secrets. The case is pending, and the outcome will determine whether OpenAI can continue developing its hardware based on the alleged stolen Apple information.