Apple Inc. has filed a civil lawsuit against OpenAI LP and former employees for allegedly stealing confidential trade secrets [1].

The legal action highlights the intensifying competition between established hardware giants and AI firms as both race to integrate artificial intelligence into consumer devices. The outcome could set a precedent for how intellectual property is protected during aggressive talent poaching in the AI sector.

Apple filed the complaint on June 12, 2026 [3], in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Francisco division [2]. The company alleges that OpenAI obtained confidential designs for the iPhone and AirPods, as well as sensitive supplier relationships [4]. Apple claims these secrets were acquired through job interviews and the recruitment of former Apple staff to accelerate OpenAI's own hardware-focused AI initiatives [4].

Reports vary on the scale of the recruitment. Some sources indicate the lawsuit mentions two former employees [1], while other reports suggest OpenAI hired as many as 400 former Apple staff [5]. The lawsuit also references a $6.5 billion investment by OpenAI into hardware [6].

"Apple will vigorously protect its intellectual property and will not tolerate the theft of its trade secrets," an Apple spokesperson said [7].

OpenAI has denied the allegations. "OpenAI has never accessed or used any Apple confidential information," a spokesperson for the AI company said [8].

Apple’s senior vice-president of engineering said that the company is reviewing the allegations and will respond appropriately in court [9]. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent OpenAI from using the disputed information.

“"Apple will vigorously protect its intellectual property and will not tolerate the theft of its trade secrets."”

This litigation underscores the friction between the 'open' nature of AI development and the closed ecosystems of hardware manufacturers. By targeting the use of job interviews as a mechanism for industrial espionage, Apple is attempting to close a common loophole used by startups to gain competitive intelligence. If Apple wins, it may force AI companies to implement stricter compliance audits when hiring from Big Tech competitors.