Last week, Apple initiated a trade - secret lawsuit against OpenAI, as well as two former Apple employees, Tang Tan and Chang Liu. Apple alleged that OpenAI secured its trade secrets by systematically poaching talent to expedite the development of AI hardware. In particular, it was claimed that Tang Tan probed for details about Apple's unreleased products during job interviews. Meanwhile, Chang Liu was accused of unlawfully accessing Apple's internal network and downloading confidential files post - departure from the company. Apple revealed that over 400 of its ex - employees are now employed at OpenAI. It had previously sent letters to OpenAI, asking for an explanation of the situation, but got no reply. At present, Apple has issued legal warnings to roughly 40 former Apple employees who are currently working at OpenAI, demanding that they retain relevant documents and communication records. Apple is pursuing a court injunction, demanding the return of confidential information, holding the responsible parties accountable, and seeking financial compensation. OpenAI refuted the validity of the complaint, stating that it has no interest in the trade secrets of other companies. The two entities had previously collaborated in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into the iPhone system, but the relationship has since soured. OpenAI acquired a hardware company established by Apple's former design director, while Apple opted to replace ChatGPT in Siri with Google's Gemini model.