Apple has filed a comprehensive lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging a coordinated scheme to misappropriate trade secrets and engineering data to fast-track the startup’s inaugural AI hardware device. The complaint centers on alleged misconduct by former Apple engineers and current OpenAI executives, detailing how confidential prototypes, technical specifications, and supply chain information were allegedly harvested during recruitment and post-departure communications. According to the filing, former Apple staff members Liu and Peng reportedly orchestrated the leak of proprietary data. Liu allegedly exploited an unknown authentication vulnerability to access Apple cloud storage weeks after his resignation, downloading dozens of files containing unreleased product engineering details and main logic board manufacturing processes. Following Liu departure, Peng allegedly maintained contact, continuously transmitting project updates and vendor relationships to inform OpenAI hardware development. Both individuals subsequently joined OpenAI or Jony Ive newly formed venture, io. The lawsuit further alleges that OpenAI leadership, specifically executive Jony Tan, actively solicited confidential information during job interviews. Tan reportedly instructed candidates to bring unreleased Apple components, such as battery cells and systems in package modules, for presentation during evaluations. The complaint claims that interviewees were quizzed on top secret projects and directed to prepare technical presentations based on proprietary Apple data. Additionally, OpenAI allegedly circulated internal offboarding procedures to departing Apple staff, coaching them to evade security reviews, avoid signing exit documents, and conceal their new employer to prevent immediate termination and restricted system access. Beyond recruitment, Apple accuses OpenAI of improperly approaching its existing manufacturing partners. The company alleges that OpenAI misled a trusted supplier into believing it held a license to use a proprietary Apple metal finishing technique. Furthermore, OpenAI is accused of contacting at least one power and battery manufacturer, leveraging internal Apple codenames and confidential component data to extract targeted technical information relevant to its own hardware ambitions. OpenAI has formally denied the allegations, with spokesperson Drew Pusateri stating the company has no interest in competitor trade secrets and remains focused on independent innovation. Apple contends that OpenAI tactics are succeeding, citing a recent surge in departing employees bypassing standard security protocols and exit interviews. The lawsuit underscores the intensifying competition in the AI hardware sector and raises significant legal and operational questions regarding corporate espionage, recruitment ethics, and supply chain integrity in the fast growing artificial intelligence market.