The legal clash between OpenAI and Apple over alleged trade secret disclosure is intensifying. After Apple filed a lawsuit and sought a preliminary injunction, OpenAI submitted its opposition to the U.S. federal court and published a detailed statement titled “Apple Got This Wrong,” outlining its version of events.
According to OpenAI, the facts presented by Apple do not match the actual timeline, and several claims are inaccurate or misleading.
OpenAI Publishes Official Response
On August 4, OpenAI announced it had filed a rebuttal against Apple’s request for a preliminary injunction. Simultaneously, the company released the official statement “Apple Got This Wrong,” in which it meticulously lays out its perspective.
OpenAI argues that Apple’s portrayal of events contradicts the real chronology, labeling certain assertions as erroneous or deceptive.
Dispute Over Communication Records
A central point of contention is the communication between the legal teams.
OpenAI claims Apple stated it attempted to contact the company in February 2026, but the emails were sent to the wrong recipient due to a name mix‑up. In its statement, OpenAI also notes that after the initial contact, Apple said it intended to “resolve all issues,” then took no further action for roughly five months before unexpectedly filing the lawsuit.
Published iMessage Logs
To substantiate its position, OpenAI released iMessage logs between former Apple employee Chang Li and company staff.
According to OpenAI, the messages show that after Chang Li’s termination on January 22, 2026, Apple employees:
- attempted to access his iCloud data;
- discussed copying files and using a 64 GB storage device;
- coordinated document transfer via AirDrop;
- clarified technical details of internal projects;
- confirmed receipt of required materials.
OpenAI contends these facts reveal shortcomings in Apple’s internal data‑access controls rather than any illicit acquisition of information by an outside party.
Rejection of Allegations Against OpenAI Employee
The company also denies claims that OpenAI employee Tan Tan obtained or used Apple’s trade secrets.
Its statement emphasizes that Tan Tan worked at Apple for over 24 years and was regarded as a leading engineer, labeling accusations of wrongful use of confidential information as unfounded.
Xpert Take
The dispute between Apple and OpenAI could become one of the most closely watched legal battles in the tech industry in 2026. Beyond the question of possible trade‑secret misuse, the case touches on corporate data‑governance practices, employee mobility between tech giants, and intellectual‑property protection in the era of generative AI.
Both sides continue to present mutually exclusive narratives. A final assessment of the evidence will be left to the court; until a ruling is issued, the assertions from Apple and OpenAI remain litigation positions.
