A U.S. federal judge on October 13, 2026, ordered OpenAI to turn over hiring files for former Apple employees who applied for roles in its consumer hardware and robotics groups, TechCrunch reported.
The ruling gives Apple expedited discovery in a trade-secret lawsuit that could influence a hardware rivalry as OpenAI develops a device that may compete with the iPhone.
Apple sued OpenAI in July 2026, alleging a pattern of trade-secret theft. The complaint claimed former employees downloaded confidential files containing technical specifications and engineering presentations. Apple also accused some former staff of advising colleagues on what information to bring to interviews at OpenAI, according to the TechCrunch account of the case.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila ordered OpenAI to produce interview checklists, guides, scripts, technical presentations and any records that mentioned Apple technology or components. The judge set a five-day deadline for materials OpenAI has already collected and 14 days for the remainder.
The court also required OpenAI to turn over private LINE messages between named individuals, including employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng. Davila approved depositions for Liu, Peng and OpenAI’s chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan, all former Apple employees.
Davila denied Apple’s request for expedited access to OpenAI’s research and development in areas such as metal finishes and power management. Broader discovery into OpenAI’s hardware research was also rejected. The order leaves room for Apple to narrow its requests and refile.
OpenAI has not yet disclosed specifications or pricing for its consumer hardware device, and the TechCrunch report includes no original court filings.