Most of OpenAI’s Apple recruits came from Ternus’ hardware engineering division, and some designers had backed Tan over Ternus for the top hardware job in 2021.

Link to: https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/10/apple-sues-openai-trade-secret-theft/

Apple alleges former employees took confidential designs, supplier information, and engineering files before joining OpenAI.

In a filing, Apple says former employees who left for OpenAI had access to its systems after leaving.