Apple sues OpenAI

AI & tech · Heat 1.0 / 10 · 2 shows · 3m airtime

Apple filed suit against OpenAI on September 21, 2026, accusing it of stealing internal information and product plans as Apple designers decamp to OpenAI, where Jony Ive is working with Sam Altman on new products. OpenAI calls the conduct normal business and job interviews. Apple has since asked the judge to block OpenAI from using any allegedly stolen information, and it wants access to OpenAI's upcoming device to check for Apple materials. No filings in the case mention Jony Ive, who is leading design of that product.

How 2 podcasts covered it

1. Decoder with Nilay Patel, 2026-09-21 (38:57 to 39:37)
   Questions why OpenAI has not cut ties
   Gurman's read on the Apple-OpenAI suit: OpenAI staff have done shady things, but much of the conduct is ordinary business practice, and he is surprised OpenAI has not cut ties with the former iPhone engineer at the center of the case. Notes Apple's request for court access to OpenAI's upcoming device.
   New angle: Apple has asked the court for access to OpenAI's upcoming device to check for Apple materials.
2. Decoder with Nilay Patel, 2026-09-21 (39:37 to 41:43)
   Argues Ive is the suit's unstated center
   Gurman argues Ive is the unstated center of the Apple-OpenAI suit: no filing names him, yet Apple blames him for dismantling its design team, and he is leading design of OpenAI's device.
   New angle: No filings in the Apple-OpenAI case mention Jony Ive, who is leading design of OpenAI's product.
3. Bloomberg Tech, 2026-10-14 (21:35 to 22:06)
   Frames the suit as a trade-secret fight
   Bloomberg Tech's Ed Ludlow frames the Apple-OpenAI suit as a trade-secret fight over former Apple employees, adding that Apple wants a judge to block OpenAI from using any allegedly stolen information and that OpenAI is moving to dismiss.
   New angle: Apple is asking the judge to block OpenAI from using any allegedly stolen information.