OpenAI Alleges Former Employee Gave Device Secrets to Apple Executives

OpenAI alleges that a former employee sent more than 100 confidential files related to devices under development to personal accounts before leaving the company. According to court filings, the individual later returned to Apple and shared the information with its executives.

The files are said to contain a detailed description of at least 1 device that has not yet been unveiled. The documents included information about suppliers, engineering and manufacturing metrics, as well as project files. Reports concerning the device’s exterior appearance, enclosure and how its components are sealed were also allegedly taken.

The individual had previously left Apple for OpenAI and returned to Apple after working there for 6 months. According to OpenAI, the files were sent on the employee’s final day of work, June 2, 2026. The allegation states that the employee showed the plans to Apple executives, including the vice president responsible for the company’s operations in Asia.

OpenAI links the incident to the HomeView smart display and other artificial intelligence devices that Apple unveiled that week. The company believes the presentation had been held months earlier and that the confidential information could influence new products. However, reports that Apple was developing a smart display have circulated for years. Developing such products also typically takes a long time.

The dispute is part of an ongoing trade secrets lawsuit between Apple and OpenAI. In a lawsuit filed in July, Apple alleged that former employees stole confidential documents for OpenAI and monitored device prototypes. The company said in August that an initial examination of a former engineer’s laptop had uncovered significant evidence. Apple says it has internal rules prohibiting new employees from using confidential information belonging to their former employers.

OpenAI is concerned that the confidential information may be circulated within Apple and influence the development of future products. The company says it raised the matter directly with Apple but did not receive the assurances it sought that the information had not been retained or used. Apple, meanwhile, said its investigation found no evidence supporting the allegations.