OpenAI has accused Apple of misappropriating trade secrets, alleging that a former employee transferred over 100 files regarding an unreleased product to a personal account. According to the filing, this individual subsequently presented the sensitive information to Apple's leadership team.
The leaked files reportedly included engineering data, project documents, supplier details, and specific reports on hardware sealing and coating processes. OpenAI claims these materials contained images of at least one unreleased device, which the company links to Apple's recent announcement of the HomeView smart display.
OpenAI expressed concern that its proprietary information is circulating within Apple, potentially influencing the design of future products. The company suggests that Apple utilized these insights to accelerate its own AI-integrated hardware development following the presentation made months ago.
The allegations surfaced during an ongoing legal dispute where Apple has countersued OpenAI. Apple claims that OpenAI engaged in corporate espionage by stealing confidential documents and spying on its hardware prototypes to bolster its own product development efforts.
Apple has not provided a comment regarding the accusations. While OpenAI points to the timing of the HomeView launch, reports note that Apple typically plans product releases years in advance and that rumors regarding a smart display from the company have circulated for a long time.
