Federal judge grants Apple expedited access to OpenAI hiring records in trade secrets lawsuit over former employees

What happened

A federal judge has ruled that Apple will get fast-tracked access to some of OpenAI's hiring materials in the trade secrets lawsuit Apple filed against the artificial intelligence company in July, TechCrunch reported on October 13, 2026. The ruling came from U.S. District Judge Edward Davila.

The materials concern OpenAI's interviews with former Apple employees who applied for roles in OpenAI's consumer hardware and robotics groups. According to TechCrunch, those former employees applied ahead of the rumored launch of OpenAI's first hardware device. More coverage of the industry is collected on our AI and tech page.

What the judge allowed

Judge Davila agreed with Apple that certain documents should be produced on an expedited basis. He did not approve every request Apple made, but he granted several of them, TechCrunch reported.

Interview materials

Apple will be able to view documents tied to OpenAI's interviews with former Apple workers. TechCrunch reported these could include interview checklists, guides, instructions, manuals and scripts. They could also include technical presentations and records showing that interviews touched on Apple technology or components.

The court gave OpenAI five days to hand over materials it has already gathered. It gave the company 14 days for any other materials connected to the request.

Messages and depositions

The judge also ruled that Apple can access private messages sent through the LINE messaging app between individuals named in the case, including two OpenAI employees. He approved depositions of those two employees and of a third person, OpenAI's chief hardware officer. TechCrunch reported that all three previously worked at Apple.

What the judge denied

Not every request went Apple's way. Several of the company's broader requests for documents and messages were turned down, at least for now, according to TechCrunch.

Research and development requests

Judge Davila denied Apple's bid for expedited access to OpenAI's research and development in specific areas, such as metal finishes and power management. He also rejected broader discovery requests, including access to OpenAI's hardware research and information about what former Apple employees created while working at OpenAI.

The door stays open

Those denials are not final. TechCrunch reported that the judge left room for Apple to narrow its requests and try again.

What Apple alleges

In its lawsuit, Apple accused OpenAI of a pattern of theft, TechCrunch reported. The complaint includes claims that former employees used Apple laptops to download confidential material and files about unannounced technologies, features and products. Apple said that information included technical specifications, engineering presentations and proprietary project data.

Apple also alleged that former Apple employees working at OpenAI coached others who were thinking about leaving Apple on what information to bring to their interviews. These are allegations made in Apple's lawsuit.

Why the case matters

The dispute comes as OpenAI works on a consumer hardware device. TechCrunch reported that the device could one day compete with the iPhone, or with smartphones more broadly, if it becomes a central part of how people use software and services. Other national stories are on our nation page.

What to watch next

• Whether OpenAI turns over already-collected interview materials within the court's five-day deadline and other related materials within 14 days.
• Depositions of the two OpenAI employees and the company's chief hardware officer, all former Apple workers.
• Whether Apple narrows its denied requests, such as those on research and development, and asks the judge again.
• The rumored launch of OpenAI's first consumer hardware device.