Apple sued OpenAI on Friday, alleging the ChatGPT maker raided its hardware operation for confidential product information as it pushed into devices, the Guardian reports. Apple says former staff were persuaded to share unreleased designs, supplier details and other internal material tied to future products.
The complaint names OpenAI hardware chief Tang Yew Tan, formerly an Apple vice-president, and another ex-Apple employee, Chang Liu. Apple says Tan pushed candidates to bring real components to interviews for "show and tell" sessions, while Liu allegedly exploited an authentication bug to pull down dozens of hardware files after leaving. The lawsuit lands after a sharp reversal in relations: Apple folded ChatGPT into its software in 2024, then leaned on Google’s Gemini when it showed off a rebuilt Siri last month. Apple is seeking damages and an order blocking use of the disputed material.
Analysis
This is the ugliest sign yet that the AI hardware land grab is colliding with the old consumer-electronics playbook. Apple wins if discovery freezes OpenAI’s device plans; OpenAI loses time, talent flexibility and some of the halo around Jony Ive’s $6.4bn hardware bet.
