OpenAI alleges former employee took files on unreleased device to Apple

Apple says it has found no evidence to support the claim, which delayed a court hearing.

By West Coast News staff · October 14, 2026

An aerial view of Apple Park in Cupertino, Calif.

OpenAI alleged in a filing in federal court in San Jose that an employee who left for Apple sent more than 100 files about an unreleased product to a personal account and later presented on it to senior Apple leadership, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

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"OpenAI is very concerned that its trade secret and confidential information is now circulating inside Apple," the company said. It said it may file a countersuit.

Apple said it has policies to ensure new employees do not use confidential information from previous employers and has found no evidence to support OpenAI's allegations.

The filing, made Tuesday in Apple's trade secrets suit against OpenAI, delayed a hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The case is likely to go to trial in October 2027, according to Reuters.

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