Apple has filed a federal lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the AI company, its hardware affiliate io Products and two former Apple employees of misappropriating confidential information to accelerate the development of consumer devices. The complaint names OpenAI hardware chief Tang Tan and engineer Chang Liu. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Apple claims the conduct was systematic rather than limited to isolated employees. According to the filing, Tan allegedly encouraged candidates leaving Apple to discuss real components, suppliers and unreleased projects during interviews. Liu is accused of retaining a company laptop and downloading confidential files for several weeks, including materials related to products that had not yet been announced. Apple also alleges that departing employees received guidance on bypassing internal security procedures.

The iPhone maker is seeking financial damages, injunctions and restrictions preventing OpenAI from using the disputed information. It also wants future hardware redesigned if Apple technology or trade secrets influenced its development. Apple says it attempted to resolve the dispute privately months earlier but received no satisfactory response.

The lawsuit marks a dramatic reversal in relations between the companies. Apple integrated ChatGPT into its operating systems in 2024, but OpenAI has since become a potential hardware competitor after acquiring Jony Ive’s io Products. OpenAI denies being interested in competitors’ confidential information. The case could now determine where Silicon Valley draws the line between hiring experienced specialists and unlawfully transferring corporate knowledge.