Apple Trade Secrets Allegedly Stolen

Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that the AI company unlawfully accessed and used proprietary trade secrets related to battery technology and design. The suit, filed in 2026, centers on Apple’s use of Masimo’s A123 lithium‑ion battery technology in its latest devices and claims that confidential design schematics—some of which were developed by former Apple design chief Jony Ive—were misappropriated by OpenAI. Apple argues that the stolen information enabled OpenAI to train models that could replicate or improve battery performance, thereby eroding Apple’s competitive advantage.

According to the complaint, OpenAI obtained the confidential data through a series of data‑sharing agreements that Apple later deemed non‑disclosure. Apple contends that the data included detailed specifications, performance metrics, and design drawings that were essential to the integration of the A123 battery into its product line. The lawsuit also cites evidence that Jony Ive’s design documents, which outline the aesthetic and functional integration of the battery within Apple’s hardware, were included in the stolen material. Apple seeks injunctive relief and damages for the alleged theft and misuse of its intellectual property.

The case underscores the broader industry debate over how AI firms handle proprietary information from hardware manufacturers. While the lawsuit has yet to reach trial, analysts suggest it could establish a new legal benchmark for the use of confidential data in AI training. Public discussion of the case has been limited, with only a handful of comments appearing on a Y Combinator discussion thread, indicating that the matter remains largely confined to legal and industry circles.