Apple Sues OpenAI, Claiming Trade Secret Theft

The lawsuit is a sharp reversal for two firms that were partners only recently. In 2024, Apple added OpenAI's ChatGPT to the iPhone, but this year it switched its Siri voice assistant to Google's Gemini system instead. Tensions grew as OpenAI moved into hardware, paying roughly $6.4bn (some reports say $6.5bn) to buy io Products, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive. Apple claims the theft was organized, not accidental: it says Tan emailed himself supplier information and told job candidates still at Apple to bring "actual parts" to interviews. OpenAI firmly denied any wrongdoing, saying it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets."

Apple called the accusations only "the tip of the iceberg" and said OpenAI's new hardware business rests on weak foundations. The company wants money in damages and a court order stopping OpenAI from using its secrets. The timing is awkward: OpenAI is expected to release its first hardware product this month and plans to sell shares to the public.