Apple alleges systematic theft of hardware trade secrets by OpenAI, targeting a former executive now at the AI firm.
Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI on July 13, 2026, accusing the firm of systematically stealing hardware trade secrets to expedite its consumer hardware development. The suit names Tang Tan, Apple’s former hardware VP now serving as OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, as a central figure in the alleged scheme. Apple claims the recruitment process was compromised at multiple levels, while OpenAI denies any interest in misappropriating secrets.
The lawsuit coincides with Apple’s all-time high closing price of $317.31 on the same day. The company’s $31 billion Services segment, boasting a 76% gross margin, faces additional legal pressure from an ongoing dispute with Epic Games over App Store commissions. The Supreme Court is reviewing a contempt finding related to the case, further complicating Apple’s legal landscape.
Shares reached record levels despite the legal challenges, reflecting investor focus on broader market dynamics rather than immediate litigation risks.