Apple accuses OpenAI of stealing secrets to fast-track its hardware ambitions

• Apple is suing OpenAI, accusing the AI company of building its hardware ambitions using confidential Apple trade secrets.
• The lawsuit names OpenAI, io Products, and former Apple employees Tang Tan and Chang Liu, alleging they helped transfer sensitive Apple information.
• Apple claims the alleged misconduct was coordinated, not isolated, and involved proprietary product development, manufacturing, and supplier data.

Apple’s relationship with OpenAI has just taken a dramatic turn. The tech giant, which partnered to bring the popular AI-powered chatbot to the iPhone two years ago, is now suing OpenAI, alleging that its expansion into AI hardware was based on confidential Apple trade secrets allegedly stolen by former employees.

Bloomberg reports that Apple’s lawsuit names OpenAI; its hardware division, io Products; and former Apple employees Tang Tan and Chang Liu. Tan, who now serves as the chief hardware officer for OpenAI following the company’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s io Products, previously helped develop products such as the iPhone and Apple Watch. Liu joined OpenAI earlier this year after working as an Apple electrical engineer.