A judge has granted Apple expedited access to certain hiring documents from OpenAI, in connection with a lawsuit filed by the tech giant over alleged trade secret theft. This ruling, made in mid-October 2026, focuses on materials related to interviews conducted by OpenAI with former Apple employees who were seeking positions within its consumer hardware and robotics teams.
The court’s decision allows Apple to examine a variety of documents, which may include interview checklists, guides, and other materials that could indicate interactions concerning Apple technologies during the hiring process. This expedited access comes as OpenAI prepares to launch its first hardware device, potentially setting up competition with the iPhone.
Apple asserts that these documents are crucial for its case against OpenAI, alleging that the company has engaged in a pattern of stealing sensitive information. This includes instances where former employees reportedly used Apple laptops to download confidential data pertaining to unreleased technologies, features, and products.
Additionally, Apple claims that ex-employees at OpenAI advised colleagues on what proprietary information to present during job interviews, further intensifying the legal battle.
In the ruling, U.S. District Judge Edward Davila did not approve all of Apple’s requests for accelerated access to OpenAI’s communications and documents. However, he did allow the company to view interview materials, including private messages exchanged between notable individuals in the case, such as OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.
Judge Davila also sanctioned depositions for Liu and Peng, as well as Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, who are all former Apple staff. Despite granting some requests, the judge denied Apple’s broader demand to quickly access OpenAI’s research and development details related to areas like metal finishes and power management.
However, the door remains open for Apple to narrow its requests and potentially resubmit them for consideration.
Editor’s Take
This ruling is significant as it highlights the ongoing tensions between tech giants in the highly competitive fields of hardware and AI. For consumers, the outcome could shape the future of devices that blend AI capabilities with hardware innovation. Businesses may need to reassess their hiring strategies to avoid potential legal pitfalls, while developers must remain vigilant about intellectual property norms in an era of fierce competition.
Source: techcrunch.com
