OpenAI Says Former Employee Took Product Plans to Apple

OpenAI alleges that a former employee took more than 100 files related to its product plans before joining Apple. In a document filed Wednesday, the company says the unnamed employee sent the files to a personal account and later presented the information to Apple leadership, including the vice president of its operations in Asia.

The filing, reported earlier by Reuters, is part of a trade secrets dispute between Apple and OpenAI. OpenAI says the files included images of at least one unreleased device, supplier information, engineering data, project files, cosmetic finish standards, and reports on coating and sealing hardware components.

OpenAI also connects the presentation to Apple’s new HomeView smart display and other devices revealed this week. It claims the presentation took place months earlier and says Apple is now expanding its push into AI-enabled products. The source article notes that Apple’s product plans typically follow long timelines and that its smart display had been rumored for years.

Apple, in turn, accuses OpenAI of stealing confidential documents and spying on hardware prototypes to help develop its own products. OpenAI says it is concerned that its confidential information is circulating inside Apple and could shape upcoming products. Apple did not immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.