Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI on July 10, accusing the artificial intelligence company of systematically plundering the iPhone maker's technological resources and confidential product information. The complaint, which also names two former Apple employees, alleges that OpenAI has been working to reduce its dependence on Apple's ecosystem by building its own smartphones.
The suit specifically targets OpenAI hardware chief Tang Tan, a former senior Apple designer. Apple claims Tan encouraged job candidates to bring Apple components to interview meetings at OpenAI, suggesting a pattern of soliciting proprietary materials from departing staff.
OpenAI has rejected the allegations, stating it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets. The legal action marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two technology giants as competition intensifies in the AI and hardware sectors.