Apple has intensified its legal dispute with OpenAI as the battle over alleged trade secret theft continues. According to a new report, Apple has sent legal notices to dozens of former employees who now work at OpenAI. The company reportedly instructed them to preserve documents and other relevant information that could become evidence during the case.
Apple filed its lawsuit in early July 2026. The company claims OpenAI benefited from confidential information brought by former Apple employees. The lawsuit also names former Apple executives Tang Tan and Chang Liu.
Preservation Orders Signal a Wider Investigation
The latest legal letters reportedly went to about 40 former Apple employees. Apple wants to ensure that no relevant records disappear while the case moves forward. These preservation requests do not prove wrongdoing. However, they show that Apple believes additional evidence may exist beyond the individuals already named in the lawsuit.
Tang Tan now serves as OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer, while Chang Liu works on the company’s hardware team. Apple argues that the alleged misuse of confidential information extends beyond these two executives. The company reportedly described its current evidence as only the “tip of the iceberg.”
Apple Raises New Allegations
According to the court filing, Apple claims Tang encouraged some job candidates to bring Apple components to interviews. The lawsuit also alleges that Tang discussed continued access to Apple’s internal network after leaving the company because an Apple-issued device had not yet been returned.
In addition, Apple says it is concerned that some relevant data may already have been deleted. The filing notes that more than 400 former Apple employees currently work at OpenAI, increasing the scope of Apple’s investigation.
Case Could Shape Future AI Competition
OpenAI has denied Apple’s allegations. Nevertheless, the legal dispute comes as OpenAI continues developing new hardware products, including a ChatGPT-powered smart device reportedly comparable to a smart speaker.
The lawsuit remains in its early stages, and no court has ruled on Apple’s claims. Even so, the outcome could influence how technology companies recruit talent, protect intellectual property, and compete in the rapidly growing AI hardware market.
