Apple has taken legal action against OpenAI, alleging a pattern of theft from former Apple employees who now work at the startup. The lawsuit targets specific individuals and OpenAI’s purchase of IO Products, Jony Ive's hardware venture.

Liu, formerly with Apple, is accused of downloading confidential files and instructing a colleague to avoid detection. Apple claims he breached his post-employment obligations by accessing company data after leaving.

Tang, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, is allegedly using Apple’s confidential information, including emails about suppliers and requests for internal data during job interviews.

The suit highlights concerns that OpenAI might be trying to replicate Apple’s decades of work in consumer hardware through illicit means. With over 400 former Apple employees now working at OpenAI, the company is skeptical of its rival’s ability to launch without relying on stolen tech.