September 2, 2026, 10:37 am | Read time: 2 minutes
The dispute over confidential technology reaches a new level. At the center are a former employee, sensitive circuit diagrams, and OpenAI’s hardware plans.
On August 31, 2026, Apple filed new documents intended to prove the theft of confidential technology. The accused is Chang Liu, a former electrical engineering engineer at the company, who joined OpenAI in January 2026. In March, he allegedly downloaded a secret circuit diagram for power converters and used it for simulations with the software LTspice.
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According to Apple, the evidence comes from the forensic examination of a MacBook that Liu’s lawyers handed over on August 21. The accusation that Liu used the data to train an AI agent is particularly serious. The company argues that trade secrets could remain permanently in learning systems and spread uncontrollably.
OpenAI rejects the allegations
OpenAI calls the allegations unfounded. Liu merely helped former colleagues and used still-existing access rights. The company therefore sees the responsibility with Apple, as former employees’ accounts were not properly deactivated. Apple, on the other hand, speaks of a rare security gap that Liu deliberately exploited.
Additionally, Apple accuses the former employee of asking a colleague at OpenAI to destroy evidence in June 2026. The colleague allegedly agreed. The company now demands expedited evidence preservation and wants to examine additional devices, including a Mac mini used for the simulations.
Hardware plans increase the urgency
The conflict gains significance because OpenAI is developing its own hardware and employs more than 400 former Apple employees. This includes Jony Ive, the former design chief behind the iPhone and iPad. He is working with OpenAI on a smart speaker that could compete with Apple’s HomePod and future AI devices.
Apple is seeking damages and a court order requiring OpenAI to cease the disputed practices and destroy confidential materials. A hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2026. The outcome could influence the handling of trade secrets in the AI industry and have implications for future hardware products.