OpenAI Accuses Former Employee of Sending Over 100 Confidential Files to Apple

OpenAI has accused a former employee of transferring more than 100 confidential files related to an unreleased device to personal accounts and later showing product plans to senior Apple executives, according to a new federal court filing reported by Reuters.

The employee, who previously worked at Apple, joined OpenAI for just six months before returning to the iPhone maker. OpenAI alleged the files included detailed images of at least one unreleased device, along with engineering data, manufacturing details and supplier information. Some files were transferred on June 2, the employee's last day at OpenAI, the filing said.

OpenAI also claimed the former employee made a presentation about its product plans to senior Apple executives, including Apple's vice president of operations in Asia. The company said it was concerned that its confidential work could be used by Apple engineers to shape upcoming Apple products.

The accusations are part of an ongoing dispute stemming from a lawsuit Apple filed against OpenAI in July 2026, accusing the AI company and two former Apple employees of stealing trade secrets related to manufacturing processes and products in development. OpenAI denied those allegations and has now made similar accusations against its own former employee.

Apple said it has procedures in place to prevent new employees from using confidential information from previous employers and found no evidence supporting OpenAI's claims. OpenAI plans to ask the court at a hearing on October 14 for permission to investigate further and potentially pursue counterclaims against Apple.

Separately, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila ruled on Oct. 13 that Apple could obtain documents related to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied for jobs in its consumer hardware and robotics divisions, and approved expedited depositions of three former Apple employees, including OpenAI's chief hardware officer, Tang Tan.