OpenAI has criticized Apple for misrepresenting its legal actions in an ongoing dispute, revealing that the tech giant admitted to miscommunication with its lawyers in February 2026. The company stated that its external legal team had emailed the wrong person due to confusion over two similar Asian last names, only after OpenAI brought the issue to their attention. Apple also claimed to have discussed the matter with OpenAI's General Counsel, which they now concede never happened. Despite this, Apple did not raise the specific allegations in the lawsuit at that time and instead told OpenAI they were 'resolving any issues.' OpenAI said they heard nothing for five months before Apple filed the lawsuit. In their latest filing, Apple attempted to spin the sequence of events, but OpenAI urged readers to review the emails for themselves. Source: openai

Apple accused Chang Liu of accessing confidential information after leaving the company, but only now admitted that Apple employees had reached out to him and asked for his help in locating this information. OpenAI noted that Apple tried to shift the blame to 'residual access,' but the company also failed to disclose that this is a common issue within Apple, caused by its inability to manage system access properly when employees leave. Former employees who attempt to do the right thing when leaving still have access to Apple files, even if they are unaware of them. OpenAI also accused Tang Tan of trying to access and use Apple's trade secrets, but Tang had always been clear with the team that confidential information from other companies should not be used. Tang had served Apple for over 24 years and was widely known as one of the most innovative leaders at the company. Source: openai

OpenAI expressed disappointment that Apple did not raise these issues with them before filing the lawsuit and stated they were willing to clarify all matters. However, Apple has instead tried to change its narrative, including making vague accusations about other former employees, which OpenAI believes will likely continue. OpenAI emphasized that Apple's request for a preliminary injunction was based on false information and was unnecessary, as they do not have, nor want, any of Apple's trade secrets. Instead, they are focused on building innovative products and technologies that push the frontier. Source: openai