US judge orders OpenAI to hand over hiring records to Apple in trade-secrets suit

A US district court has granted Apple expedited access to OpenAI recruitment documents, a significant step forward for the iPhone maker's trade-secrets lawsuit filed in July. Judge Edward Davila ruled that Apple will receive interview materials involving former Apple employees who applied to OpenAI's consumer-hardware and robotics teams — the groups building the company's first device, which could one day rival the smartphone.

What the judge approved

The order requires OpenAI to produce already-collected materials within five days and the remaining relevant documents within 14 days. The list covers interview checklists, guides, scripts, technical presentations and records showing that interview discussions touched on Apple technologies or components. Davila also approved access to private LINE messages between two OpenAI employees, Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, and authorized depositions for both of them plus OpenAI hardware chief Tang Yew Tan. All three previously worked at Apple.

Apple's allegations

The complaint describes a systematic pattern of theft: former employees allegedly downloaded classified material to personal devices before leaving, including technical specifications, engineering presentations and proprietary data from unannounced projects. Apple further claims that former Apple staff already hired by OpenAI coached other Apple candidates on what information to bring to interviews. Those allegations have not been proved in court, but the judge found sufficient justification to order disclosure of the hiring materials at this stage.

What was denied

Not all of Apple's requests were granted. Davila refused expedited access to OpenAI research and development in specific areas such as metal finishes and power management, and he rejected broader demands for OpenAI hardware research or information on what former Apple employees have created in their current roles. The denials are not final; the judge left the door open for Apple to narrow the requests and refile.

Next steps

The case runs in parallel with development of OpenAI's first consumer device, which could reshape how users interact with software and services if it becomes central to daily life. Both sides are now preparing for an expanded discovery phase, with Apple holding a short window to review the produced materials and decide how to proceed.