Apple Accuses Ex-Engineer of Leaking Secrets to OpenAI

Apple is accusing a former engineer of destroying files after learning about an internal investigation. This new evidence emerged in the ongoing lawsuit between Apple and OpenAI. The complaint names engineer Chang Liu, who Apple says retained access to company files after his departure. Apple has given Liu's old work laptop to forensic examiners. The company also claims Liu recruited an OpenAI colleague to erase evidence in June, with earlier filings showing text messages where Liu used crying-laughing emojis in response. OpenAI, meanwhile, asked the judge to dismiss the suit on August 6th. They argue Apple's own access controls created the exposure and that the departures are ordinary employee mobility, not theft. OpenAI states Apple is using a baseless lawsuit to compensate for its shortcomings in the talent market and its failure to integrate AI into products. The lawsuit is now racing against the product calendar, with Apple seeking an injunction before OpenAI ships a device. This matters because it could significantly impact the future of AI consumer hardware.