The ongoing legal battle between OpenAI and Apple keeps getting increasingly hostile. Just days after OpenAI accused Apple of improperly slipping new evidence into the case, Apple has fired back with a brutal counterattack.
Apple Accuses OpenAI of Breaking Court Rules with Its Latest Filing
According to a recent filing by Apple, the Cupertino giant says OpenAI didn't object to the evidence but completely ignored court guidelines by attempting to secretly retry the entire motion. Apple's primary target appears to be its ex-employee Chang Liu, who now works for OpenAI.
For those unaware, Apple originally sued OpenAI and Chang Liu for stealing trade secrets and using them in upcoming products. Chang Liu submitted his eight-paragraph declaration where he tried to justify that he completely wiped his Apple-issued Mac Mini before returning it.
However, Apple has completely blasted the claims as an "egregious overreach". The company argues that OpenAI’s 9-page filing violates the court's strict 5-page limit for objections. Additionally, Apple points out that court regulations explicitly forbid using a simple evidence objection to introduce new defensive arguments. The company labelled them as mere excuses, as OpenAI has no convincing proof.
Regardless of the document's length, Apple is asking the court to leave everything on the table. Because OpenAI already submitted what Apple claims is a functionally illegal "sur-reply," the brand argues the judge should review the full, unfiltered record. This should also include Apple's original evidence in OpenAI's trade secrets allegation when deciding the injunction.
For those who've barely had time to catch their breath following the latest tech launches, let alone keep up with this legal dispute, here's a simplified timeline of how things have unfolded and what to expect next:
| Lawsuit Timeline | Action |
| The Catalyst | Apple files injunction to halt OpenAI's hardware integration |
| OpenAI's Move | Accuses Apple of adding new evidence. Submits Liu's defense |
| Apple's Strike | Calls out rule violations; demands the court review all files |
| Next Hearing | October 14, 2026 |
While it's hard to say which firm will come out victorious, it does seem like Apple has the upper hand here. If the October 14, 2026 hearing goes Apple's way, it could severely handicap OpenAI's hardware ambitions.
This will add further pressure on the leadership of the firm, considering OpenAI's IPO has been delayed, and the company is seeking another $80 billion dollars from private investors. OpenAI has yet to see net profits and still continues to bear humongous losses. More information should be revealed soon, so stay tuned.
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