Former Apple Hardware VP Allegedly Lured OpenAI to Share Secret Files

The lawsuit identifies Tang Tan, a former vice‑president of product design at Apple, as a key figure in the alleged breach. During an interview for a senior hardware role at OpenAI, Tan purportedly encouraged Apple employees to disclose sensitive material, including component specifications and design drawings.

Apple also points to Chang Liu, who previously worked on iPhone hardware, as having granted OpenAI access to a trove of confidential files while assisting the AI firm in building its own hardware solutions. Those files are said to encompass detailed engineering data for products slated for future release.

Apple’s legal team argues that OpenAI’s actions constitute a clear violation of intellectual‑property law and requests that the court order the destruction of any stolen assets and the redesign of OpenAI’s upcoming hardware.