Apple has reportedly presented what it describes as new evidence in its legal dispute with OpenAI, claiming that a forensic review of a laptop used by a former engineer points to the use of confidential Apple information at OpenAI.
The development comes as Apple seeks faster access to documents and evidence in the lawsuit. The company has asked the court to allow expedited discovery, including earlier document disclosures and depositions of key individuals.
The engineer at the centre of the latest claims is Chang Liu, a former senior system electrical engineer at Apple who joined OpenAI in January 2026. Apple has accused him of improperly accessing and downloading confidential engineering material after leaving the company.
According to Apple’s latest court filing, Liu’s lawyers recently provided a MacBook that he had used after leaving Apple. An initial forensic examination allegedly identified several pieces of evidence that Apple says strengthen its case.
Apple claims the examination showed that Liu downloaded a confidential circuit schematic and subsequently used the material in his work at OpenAI. The company also alleges that Liu and others at OpenAI were aware of his unauthorised access to Apple’s third-party cloud storage.
The filing further alleges that Liu became aware of Apple’s internal investigation and subsequently sent instructions to an OpenAI colleague regarding the destruction of evidence. Apple says the colleague indicated that she would comply.
Apple has also pointed to Liu’s use of an engineering tool at OpenAI that it says carried the same name as an internal Apple engineering application.
The company claims Liu used the confidential circuit schematic in an LTspice simulation in March. Messages from the period allegedly referred to an AI agent learning to operate LTspice and assess its results.
Apple argues that using trade-secret material with an AI system could create continuing or difficult-to-reverse use of that information.
The company is now seeking access to a Mac mini that it says was linked to the MacBook through iCloud and may contain additional evidence.
OpenAI has previously sought dismissal of the lawsuit. Apple’s latest filing argues that the newly examined laptop demonstrates the need for accelerated discovery and further investigation into the allegations.
