Apple Accuses OpenAI of Systematic Hardware Secrets Theft, Former Partners Now Arch Enemies

According to Dongcha Beating monitoring, Apple has sued OpenAI, its hardware lead Tang Tan, and former Apple engineer Chang Liu, accusing the three parties of organized theft of Apple's trade secrets to develop OpenAI's proprietary hardware.

Apple alleges that OpenAI encouraged Apple employees to provide unreleased product information, parts, and design drawings during interviews. Employees preparing to leave were also instructed to conceal their destination to avoid Apple shutting down internal access prematurely.

Liu joined OpenAI in January this year. Apple accuses him of downloading dozens of confidential files before resigning, including unreleased product information, technical specifications, and project data.

Tan was previously responsible for product design of iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and other products. After leaving Apple, he was involved in founding the hardware company io Products. OpenAI acquired this company for $6.5 billion last year.

Apple has demanded that OpenAI cease using and destroy the related materials, and also redesign any unreleased products that may utilize Apple's technology.

In response, OpenAI stated that the company has "no interest" in the trade secrets of other companies and will continue to focus on developing innovative technologies that benefit global users.

The two companies have been collaborating, integrating ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence. Now that OpenAI has started developing its own hardware, the two parties have shifted from partners to litigation opponents.