A U.S. federal judge has ordered OpenAI to provide Apple with expedited access to certain hiring records and communications as part of a trade secrets lawsuit filed by the iPhone maker in July 2026.
The ruling allows Apple to examine documents related to OpenAI’s interviews with former Apple employees who applied for positions in its consumer hardware and robotics teams. The case comes as OpenAI develops its first consumer hardware device, which could eventually compete with Apple’s products if AI-powered hardware becomes a major way for consumers to access software and digital services.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila gave OpenAI five days to produce materials it had already collected and 14 days to provide other documents covered by Apple’s request.
The documents Apple can access include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals, scripts, technical presentations and records indicating whether discussions involved Apple technologies or components.
The judge also approved Apple’s request to access private LINE messaging app conversations between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.
In addition, the court approved depositions of Liu, Peng and OpenAI’s chief hardware officer, Tang Yew Tan. All three previously worked at Apple.
In its lawsuit, Apple accused OpenAI of engaging in a pattern of trade secret theft involving former employees who allegedly took confidential company information to their new employer.
Apple’s allegations include claims that former employees used Apple laptops to download confidential files containing information about unreleased technologies, product features and upcoming products. The materials allegedly included technical specifications, engineering presentations and proprietary project data.
Apple also alleged that some former Apple employees working at OpenAI coached colleagues considering a move to the AI company on what information to bring to their job interviews.
These claims remain allegations in the litigation, rather than established findings of wrongdoing.
Although the court granted Apple expedited access to hiring records and certain communications, it did not approve all of the company’s requests.
Judge Davila rejected Apple’s request for expedited access to OpenAI research and development materials involving specific areas, including metal finishes and power management.
The judge also denied several broader discovery requests seeking access to OpenAI’s hardware research and information about work former Apple employees had carried out after joining OpenAI.
However, the decision leaves Apple an opportunity to submit narrower requests for some of the information it initially sought.
The lawsuit highlights the growing competitive overlap between Apple and OpenAI as the AI company expands beyond software and develops consumer hardware.
Apple’s iPhone remains central to its consumer technology business, while OpenAI’s hardware ambitions could introduce new ways for people to interact with AI assistants and digital services.
The dispute could have implications beyond employee hiring practices, particularly if competition between the companies expands into AI-powered consumer devices.
For now, the court’s decision concerns access to evidence and the pace of the discovery process. It does not establish that OpenAI stole Apple’s trade secrets or determine the ultimate outcome of the lawsuit.
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