California, United States — Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two former employees, alleging that confidential information and trade secrets were misappropriated to support OpenAI’s entry into consumer AI hardware.
The complaint was filed on July 10, 2026, in the US District Court for the Northern District of California. Apple named former employees Tang Yew Tan, commonly known as Tang Tan, and Chang Liu among the defendants. OpenAI Foundation, OpenAI Group PBC and io Products were also named in the case.
Apple alleged that OpenAI conducted a coordinated effort to obtain confidential hardware information through former employees, recruitment processes and relationships with suppliers. The company claimed the information could help OpenAI accelerate the development of consumer devices powered by artificial intelligence. These claims remain allegations and will be subject to the legal process.
According to the complaint, Chang Liu previously worked as a senior system electrical engineer at Apple. Apple alleged that Liu retained a company-issued laptop after leaving the organisation and subsequently accessed its internal systems, downloading confidential files connected to hardware, unreleased products, technical specifications and engineering projects.
Tang Tan previously served as Apple’s Vice President of Product Design and worked on products including the iPhone and Apple Watch. Apple alleged that he transferred information concerning suppliers and internal industry research before leaving the company. The lawsuit also claims that prospective OpenAI employees were encouraged to bring design materials, components or prototypes from Apple to recruitment interviews.
Apple said it contacted OpenAI in February 2026 to raise concerns about the possible movement of confidential information but did not receive a response. The company is seeking legal remedies intended to stop the alleged use of its proprietary information and protect its unreleased technologies, products and manufacturing processes.
OpenAI rejected the suggestion that it was seeking access to Apple’s intellectual property. The company said, “We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets,” adding that it remained focused on developing innovative technologies. Tan and Liu had not publicly responded to the allegations when the reports were published.
