Woofun AI reports that OpenAI has recruited more than 400 former Apple employees, spanning product design, displays, antennas, supply chain, and hardware procurement. This mass exodus prompted Apple to implement urgent salary increases and expanded responsibilities to retain remaining talent.

OpenAI Hardware Director Tang Tan, a 25-year Apple veteran previously overseeing iPhone hardware, served as a key recruiter. With OpenAI developing AI devices like smart speakers and wearables, Apple fears its intellectual property is fueling a new hardware competitor. Legal friction intensified after OpenAI considered suing Apple in May for alleged ChatGPT underperformance, though no action was taken.