Apple Sues OpenAI for Alleged Theft of Hardware Trade Secrets

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that former Apple engineers stole proprietary trade secrets to advance OpenAI's hardware initiatives. The complaint names OpenAI, Jony Ive's IO Products (which OpenAI acquired in 2025), and two specific employees: Tang Tan (OpenAI's chief hardware officer) and Chang Liu (who joined OpenAI from Apple in January).

Why it matters: The case highlights growing tensions over talent mobility and trade secret protection in the AI industry, particularly as major tech companies and startups compete aggressively for hardware-focused AI capabilities.