Apple Sues OpenAI Over Alleged Theft of Hardware Secrets

Apple 狀告 OpenAI 涉嫌竊取硬體機密

Jul 13, 2026, 20:36
USTechnology

Introduction

Apple has filed a lawsuit in a California court, accusing OpenAI and a company called io of trying to illegally obtain trade secrets to help them build their own hardware devices.

Apple 已在加州法院提起訴訟，指控 OpenAI 及一家名為 io 的公司企圖非法獲取商業機密，以協助開發其自有硬體設備。

Main Body

The lawsuit focuses on claims that OpenAI used former Apple employees to get confidential technical information. Specifically, Apple points to Tang Tan, OpenAI's chief hardware officer and a former Apple executive. Apple asserts that Tan asked job candidates to provide secret data and physical parts, such as batteries and circuit boards, during the hiring process. Furthermore, Apple claims that Tan coached these recruits on how to avoid company security rules.

該訴訟聚焦於 OpenAI 利用前 Apple 員工獲取機密技術資訊的指控。特別是 Apple 指出 OpenAI 的首席硬體官、前 Apple 高層 Tang Tan。Apple 主張 Tan 在招聘過程中，要求求職者提供秘密數據與實體零件，例如電池和電路板。此外，Apple 稱 Tan 指導這些新招募人員如何規避公司的安全規定。

Apple also describes a security breach involving a former engineer, Chang Liu. The company alleges that Liu used a software vulnerability to keep accessing cloud storage after he left the company. Consequently, he was allegedly able to steal dozens of private files, including engineering presentations. Apple suggests that Liu worked with another employee, Yu-Ting Peng, to move this information to OpenAI.

Apple 還描述了一次涉及前工程師 Chang Liu 的安全漏洞事件。公司指控 Liu 在離職後，利用軟體漏洞持續存取雲端儲存空間。因此，他涉嫌竊取了數十份私人文件，包括工程簡報。Apple 暗示 Liu 與另一名員工 Yu-Ting Peng 合作，將這些資訊轉移至 OpenAI。

In addition to hiring employees, Apple claims that OpenAI misled third-party suppliers. For instance, OpenAI allegedly tricked a partner into using a secret metal-finishing technique without permission. Apple emphasizes that these actions were part of a coordinated plan to quickly develop an AI device that could replace the iPhone.

除了招募員工外，Apple 稱 OpenAI 還誤導了第三方供應商。例如，OpenAI 涉嫌欺騙一名合作夥伴，在未經許可的情況下使用一種秘密的金屬精整技術。Apple 強調，這些行動是一項協調計劃的一部分，旨在快速開發一款能取代 iPhone 的 AI 設備。

Conclusion

The legal case is in its early stages. While OpenAI denies using any stolen secrets, Apple is seeking a jury trial to reveal the full extent of the alleged theft.

該法律案件目前處於早期階段。雖然 OpenAI 否認使用任何竊取的機密，但 Apple 正尋求陪審團審理，以揭露此次涉嫌竊取的完整程度。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Reporting' Shift: Moving from Simple Facts to Allegations

At the A2 level, you usually say things directly: "He stole the files." But at B2, you must learn how to talk about things that might be true, especially in news, business, or legal contexts. This is the difference between a fact and an allegation.

🔍 The Logic of 'Allegedly'

In the article, the author doesn't say OpenAI stole secrets; they say OpenAI allegedly stole them.

What is this? An allegation is a claim that someone has done something wrong, but it hasn't been proven in court yet. Using these words protects the speaker from being wrong.

🛠️ The B2 Power-Tools

Instead of saying "X did Y," use these three structures found in the text:

  1. The Adverb Modifier:

    • "He was allegedly able to steal files."
    • (A2 version: "He stole files.") →\rightarrow (B2 version: "He allegedly stole files.")

  2. The Claim Verb:

    • "Apple asserts that..." or "Apple claims that..."
    • Stop using "says." Use asserts when someone is stating something strongly and confidently.

  3. The 'Alleged' Adjective:

    • "...the full extent of the alleged theft."
    • Here, "alleged" describes the noun. It tells the reader: "This theft happened, but only according to one side of the story."

🚀 Quick Upgrade Guide

A2 Simple StatementB2 Professional Reporting
He lied to the boss.He allegedly misled the manager.
She stole the idea.She is accused of alleged theft of ideas.
I think he is wrong.I assert that his conclusion is incorrect.

Vocabulary Learning

alleged (adj.)
Said to have happened or be true, but not yet proven.
Example:The alleged theft of the documents is currently being investigated by the police.
asserts (v.)
To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer asserts that his client was not present at the scene of the crime.
vulnerability (n.)
A weakness in a system that can be exploited by someone to cause harm or steal data.
Example:The software update was designed to fix a critical security vulnerability.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:He failed to attend the mandatory training; consequently, he was not allowed to start the project.
misled (v.)
To give someone a wrong idea or impression, often intentionally.
Example:The company misled the public about the environmental impact of its new product.
coordinated (adj.)
Planned or organized together to achieve a specific goal.
Example:The rescue operation was a coordinated effort between the army and the coast guard.
extent (n.)
The area, length, or degree to which something exists or happens.
Example:The full extent of the damage will only be known after a complete inspection.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→