A federal judge has ordered OpenAI to give Apple quick access to its hiring records. The ruling is part of a trade secrets lawsuit Apple filed against OpenAI in July.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila issued the decision, which was reported on October 13, 2026. He granted some of Apple’s requests but turned down others.
What Apple Can Now Access
The order covers documents linked to OpenAI’s interviews with former Apple employees. These workers applied for jobs in OpenAI’s consumer hardware and robotics groups.
The records could include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals and scripts. They may also include technical presentations and notes showing that interviews mentioned Apple technology or parts.
OpenAI has five days to turn over materials it has already gathered. It has 14 days to hand over any other documents tied to the request.
The judge agreed with Apple that these documents should be shared on a faster timeline.
Apple will also gain access to private messages sent on LINE, a messaging app. The messages are between people named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.
The judge approved depositions for Liu and Peng. He also approved a deposition for Tang Yew Tan, OpenAI’s chief hardware officer. All three used to work at Apple.
Apple’s Claims Against OpenAI
Apple sued OpenAI in July, accusing it of a pattern of theft. The company said former employees used Apple laptops to download confidential material.
According to Apple, those files held details about unannounced technologies, features and products. This included technical specifications, engineering presentations and private project data.
Apple also claims that former Apple workers at OpenAI coached others on what information to bring to job interviews. Those being coached were Apple employees thinking about joining OpenAI.
The case comes as OpenAI works on its first consumer hardware device. The AI device could one day compete with the iPhone or smartphones in general.
The judge did not approve every request. He denied Apple’s bid for faster access to OpenAI’s research in areas like metal finishes and power management.
He also turned down several broader requests. These included access to OpenAI’s hardware research and information on what former Apple employees built while working at OpenAI.
Those denials are not final. The judge left the door open for Apple to narrow its requests and try again.
