OpenAI alleges ex-employee sent 100 secret files about 'unreleased device' to Apple before joining the tech giant

OpenAI has filed court documents alleging that a former employee transferred more than 100 confidential files about an unreleased product to a personal account before joining Apple, and then briefed senior Apple executives on the device. The filing, made in US federal court in San Jose, warns that OpenAI's trade secrets may already be shaping Apple's upcoming products. Apple has denied the allegations, saying it has found nothing to back them up.

OpenAI says it is 'very concerned' its confidential and innovative work has reached Apple's internal teams, where engineers could draw on it to build their own products.

The dispute is part of a wider trade secret lawsuit in which Apple had itself accused OpenAI's hardware division of poaching staff who brought confidential iPhone maker files with them — allegations OpenAI disputes.

Judge Edward Davila has already granted Apple advance access to files held on certain former employees' devices, with the case expected to go to trial in October 2027.