A federal judge has ruled that Apple will receive expedited access to OpenAI’s hiring records as part of the ongoing trade secrets lawsuit filed by the iPhone manufacturer in July. The decision grants Apple the right to review documents associated with interviews conducted with former Apple employees who applied for positions within OpenAI’s consumer hardware and robotics divisions.
U.S. District Judge Edward Davila approved the request, noting that the materials are relevant to OpenAI’s development of a rumored new hardware device. Apple argued these documents could reveal whether proprietary information was disclosed during the hiring process. The court ordered OpenAI to produce any already-collected materials within five days and any additional responsive documents within 14 days.
The discovery scope includes interview checklists, guides, manuals, scripts, and technical presentations. Apple is also seeking records showing whether interview discussions referenced Apple technology or components. In addition to hiring documents, the judge authorized Apple to access private LINE messaging records between individuals named in the case, including OpenAI employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng.
The lawsuit alleges a pattern of trade secret theft, citing complaints about former Apple staff using company laptops to download confidential files containing unannounced technologies and engineering data. Apple further claims that employees at OpenAI coached colleagues on what information to bring during interviews before leaving the company.
While the judge approved depositions for Liu, Peng, and OpenAI’s chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan—all former Apple employees—he denied several broader discovery requests. Apple’s bid for expedited access to OpenAI’s research and development in specific areas, such as metal finishes and power management, was rejected, as was a general request for hardware research details.
The denial of these wider requests is not final; Judge Davila left open the possibility for Apple to resubmit narrowed discovery motions. The case proceeds against the backdrop of OpenAI’s ambitions to create a consumer hardware product that could potentially compete with smartphones if it becomes a central hub for user interaction with software and services.
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