Photo by Levart_Photographer on Unsplash
Last Friday, Apple sued OpenAI for alleged theft of trade secrets.
According to Apple, the theft was conducted by former employees who are now working for OpenAI, and cites being directed by OpenAI’s senior leadership.
The lawsuit contains details that would make an interesting movie: OpenAI coaching departing Apple employees on how to evade security, bringing Apple hardware components during interview processes, and asking about unannounced projects.
Since April, there are ongoing rumors going around that OpenAI is preparing to enter the hardware space. Possibly a phone with AI agents, instead of apps, and a pair of earbuds.
OpenAI has also recently acquired io, a startup by Sir Jony Ive, the former lead designer in Apple, and who, I should point at critically, designed the Ferrari electric car. Ive’s io focused on developing AI-powered hardware products, bolstering rumors about OpenAI’s hardware push.
Along with the complaint, Apple also alleges former employee Chang Liu, who worked at Apple as a senior systems electrical engineer, left the company for OpenAI earlier this year, while also not returning the Apple-issued laptop, which may contain confidential information.
Tang Yew Tan, was also mentioned. He was a former Apple vice president in product design, and is now OpenAI’s chief hardware officer.
Apple adds that, during their ongoing investigation, OpenAI used Apple’s confidential information in developing its hardware product.
This does not sour Apple’s relationship with OpenAI, it seems. Since Apple is still gearing up to partner with OpenAI to integrate AI capabilities into future devices.