OpenAI vs. Apple: Chat Logs Reveal Apple's Own Missteps

OpenAI is pushing back against Apple's trade secret lawsuit. It has released chat messages showing Apple employees contacted their former colleague, Chang Liu, for technical information after he left. OpenAI says Apple is taking a "sloppy and unnecessarily aggressive approach." Apple sued OpenAI, alleging systematic theft of trade secrets and that Liu improperly accessed confidential information after joining OpenAI. Here's the thing: Liu's last day at Apple was January 22, 2026. On that day and in the weeks that followed, Apple employees repeatedly asked him technical questions. One message from January 27, 2026, shows an Apple employee asking Liu for a technical assessment, saying, "you are the best. Even if you don't work here anymore." Liu responded with details about internal Apple decisions. He was even added to a group chat on March 5, where he directed employees to internal folders. Liu eventually ended the conversation, stating it was "highly irregular." OpenAI argues that "residual access" is a known problem at Apple due to poor access management. This situation highlights ongoing tensions in the tech industry.