Apple accuses OpenAI of destroying evidence

<figure> <img alt="Sam Altman and John Ternus on a graphic grungey background." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/08/STKS531_APPLE_V_OPEN_AI2_A.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple is pushing for "expedited discovery" in its legal battle against OpenAI over concerns the company is actively destroying evidence, as <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-31/apple-says-openai-is-destroying-evidence-in-trade-secrets-case">reported earlier by <em>Bloomberg</em></a>. In <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28592913-apple-response-to-openai/">a filing on Monday</a>, Apple alleges OpenAI only just handed over a MacBook used by a former employee at the center of the lawsuit, which contained discussions about "destroying the types of forensic data Apple needs."</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is the latest development in <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/964350/apple-openai-lawsuit-trade-secrets">Apple's lawsuit against</a> OpenAI, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/964843/apple-openai-lawsuit-wildest-claims">which accuses the ChatGPT-maker</a> of stealing trade secrets to build an AI device. The lawsuit revolves around three former Apple employees who recently joined OpenAI, including Chang Liu, who a …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/987575/apple-openai-destroying-evidence-trade-secrets-lawsuit">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>