Woofun AI reports that Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, its hardware lead Tang Tan, and former engineer Chang Liu, alleging organized theft of trade secrets for proprietary hardware development. The complaint asserts that OpenAI instructed departing employees to conceal their destination to retain internal access and solicit unreleased product data during interviews.

Apple accuses Liu of downloading dozens of confidential files before joining OpenAI in January and cites Tan’s prior role in designing iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Following OpenAI’s $6.5 billion acquisition of Tan’s firm io Products last year, Apple demands the destruction of stolen materials and redesign of affected products. OpenAI stated it has "no interest" in competitors' secrets, highlighting the shift from partners on Siri integration to litigation opponents.