On October 13, 2026, U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila granted Apple expedited access to OpenAI's documents related to its hiring process. The ruling came in the case Apple filed against OpenAI in July of this year over alleged trade secret theft, and it allows Apple to review materials from interviews OpenAI conducted with former Apple employees.
Details of the ruling
The court ordered OpenAI to produce the documents on a two-stage timeline: materials already collected must be handed over within 5 days, with the rest due within 14 days. According to Bloomberg Law, Judge Davila justified the urgency by citing the risk that forensic evidence on engineers' devices could be destroyed.
Expedited access will allow Apple to review documents from interviews with former Apple employees who applied for positions in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics divisions. Under the ruling, those materials include interview checklists, instructions, guides, manuals and scripts, as well as technical presentations related to Apple technologies or components and records showing that Apple technologies were referenced during the interviews.
Depositions and messages
The court authorized early depositions of former Apple employees Chang Liu and Alyssa Peng, as well as OpenAI's chief hardware officer Tang Yew Tan; all three previously worked at Apple. Judge Davila also granted access to personal messages among individuals named in the case: in particular, Apple can now see messages between Liu and Peng on the LINE messaging app.
Apple's allegations
In its complaint, Apple accused OpenAI of systematic theft. The company alleges that former employees downloaded confidential files about unannounced technologies, features and products — including technical specifications, engineering presentations and private project data — via Apple laptops. Apple also says former Apple employees at OpenAI advised people planning to move from Apple to OpenAI on what information to share in hiring interviews. OpenAI calls the lawsuit baseless.
In its complaint, Apple accused OpenAI of "systematic theft" — former employees downloading confidential materials about unannounced technologies via Apple laptops. — TechCrunch
Case history and device context
Apple filed the lawsuit in July 2026. According to TechCrunch, OpenAI is actively hiring in consumer hardware and robotics — likely tied to the expected unveiling of the company's first hardware device. The case is being heard as OpenAI develops a consumer device: TechCrunch notes the device could eventually rival the iPhone or smartphones in general if an AI device becomes central to how users interact with software and services.
TechCrunch writes that the interview materials named in the ruling relate specifically to interviews with former Apple employees who applied for consumer hardware and robotics roles. This hiring focus is linked to OpenAI's preparations to unveil its first hardware device. According to Bloomberg Law, a hearing on October 14 will consider OpenAI's motion to dismiss the case — the ruling was issued one day before that hearing.
TechCrunch notes that OpenAI's consumer device in development could rival the iPhone or smartphones in general if it becomes central to how users interact with software and services. That is why Apple wants to examine documents indicating any references to Apple technologies or components during the hiring interviews.
Next steps
The ruling came one day before the hearing on OpenAI's motion to dismiss and Apple's request for a preliminary injunction barring OpenAI and former employees from using the alleged trade secrets. However, Judge Davila did not grant all of Apple's requests: the court denied expedited access to certain OpenAI research and development areas — such as metal coatings and power management — and also denied broader requests such as access to OpenAI's hardware research. The judge left open the possibility for Apple to return with narrowed requests.
The second matter at the hearing is Apple's request for a preliminary injunction. If granted, OpenAI and former employees would be barred from using the alleged trade secrets until the case concludes. So far the court has authorized only expedited access to hiring materials and messages; Apple's broader discovery requests may be revisited at later stages.
More details: TechCrunch and Bloomberg Law.
