Apple sues OpenAI over alleged theft of trade secrets - here's what to know

Apple has sued OpenAI and two former employees, alleging they stole confidential trade secrets about unreleased hardware and used them to support OpenAI’s hardware efforts.

The complaint says one former engineer accessed internal systems after leaving Apple and downloaded sensitive files, while another allegedly used confidential material and interview information to gather product details.

OpenAI denied the allegations and said it does not seek other companies’ trade secrets.

The case could shape AI hardware competition and spotlight how major tech firms protect confidential engineering data and employee departures.