The Apple, OpenAI feud just got a lot uglier

Apple and OpenAI, two of the most secretive tech giants, are embroiled in a legal battle over allegations that OpenAI utilized Apple employees to obtain proprietary hardware information. Should the dispute reach the discovery phase, both firms could be compelled to expose sensitive details regarding their recruitment tactics, hardware development, and safeguards for confidential data.

On Monday, OpenAI responded to Apple's request for a preliminary injunction that sought to halt OpenAI from using any potentially confidential or trade secret information during the lawsuit. OpenAI's response deemed Apple's allegations a "mess of Apple's own making," and accused Apple of orchestrating a "witch hunt." Apple, in turn, accused OpenAI of actively destroying evidence in the trade secrets case.

Initially partners, the relationship between Apple and OpenAI soured in 2025 when Elon Musk accused the two companies of illegally colluding. The tides shifted when OpenAI purchased io, a former Apple design studio, for $6.4 billion a year later, signaling a shift towards AI hardware development. This move further strained the partnership as Apple, traditionally focused on software integration with AI, began to lose ground in the competitive AI race.

In July, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of trade secret theft and obtaining confidential information about Apple's unreleased products. Apple alleged that OpenAI executives and former Apple employees conspired to acquire this sensitive information. OpenAI, however, denied the allegations, asserting that it was unaware of any evidence supporting Apple's claims.

The dispute escalated in August when Apple filed a request for a preliminary injunction, aiming to prevent OpenAI from using the disputed information while the lawsuit progressed. OpenAI countered with a blog post denying any wrongdoing, stating that the AI company never sought Apple's secrets. OpenAI also sought the dismissal of Apple's lawsuit, arguing that the allegations were unfounded and motivated by Apple's struggles to retain engineers and maintain its competitive edge in AI.

Apple, for its part, indicated that it would proceed through the discovery phase, suggesting that OpenAI's arguments for dismissal would be addressed during this process. OpenAI responded by alleging that Apple's failure to protect itself effectively would lead to their downfall in the legal proceedings. The case is set for a hearing before a federal judge on October 1.