Judge Denies Apple Request for OpenAI Hardware Access

A federal judge denied a request by Apple Inc. to gain immediate access to hardware currently under development by OpenAI. Apple argued that such access was necessary to determine if OpenAI stole proprietary trade secrets, alleging that the AI company exfiltrated information and hired approximately 400 former Apple employees, including chief designers.

Apple contended that waiting for an official product release would make it impossible to restore the confidentiality of its secrets. In response, OpenAI defended the hardware as an entirely new creation. During the proceedings, lawyers for OpenAI informed the court that the first consumer device—a collaboration between CEO Sam Altman and former Apple designer Jony Ive—is not coming soon. This statement contradicts previous claims by Altman that prototypes existed and a preview could occur in 2026.

Judge Edward J. Davila rejected Apple's bid for immediate access to schematics and records, with OpenAI characterizing Apple's legal strategy as a "shoot first, think later approach." The judge has ordered both parties to develop a joint discovery plan before their next court appearance on October 14.