Apple sues OpenAI for trade secret theft over hardware poaching

Apple's lawsuit, filed on July 10, 2026, claims that OpenAI systematically poached Apple employees and induced them to disclose trade secrets, including confidential product designs and other tightly held information, to accelerate OpenAI's development of a hardware device. The complaint alleges that OpenAI's actions constitute theft of trade secrets and unfair competition. This legal action marks a significant escalation in the rivalry between the two companies, as OpenAI moves beyond software into hardware, directly challenging Apple's core business. The case is expected to hinge on evidence of specific confidential materials shared and the extent of OpenAI's reliance on Apple's proprietary knowledge.