On July 10, 2026 (local time), Apple Inc. took legal action against OpenAI, alleging the theft of trade secrets. Apple accused OpenAI of employing coordinated efforts to acquire information, components, blueprints, and other materials pertaining to Apple's yet-to-be-released products, with the intent of utilizing them in the development of its own hardware devices. Apple is demanding that OpenAI immediately halt these actions, destroy all proprietary materials obtained in this manner, and overhaul the design of its forthcoming products to guarantee the absence of any Apple technology.

Apple has specifically pointed the finger at Tang Tan, OpenAI's Chief Hardware Officer and a former Apple Vice President of Product Design, accusing him of meticulously orchestrating the leaks. This includes instructing job candidates to bring components from Apple products to interviews and unlawfully retaining and disseminating internal Apple documents. The complaint further highlights that over 400 ex-Apple employees are now employed at OpenAI.

In response, OpenAI has stated that it has no interest in the trade secrets of other companies and remains committed to the creation of innovative technologies.