1. June 2024 | Apple Integrates ChatGPT into iPhone
Apple began collaborating with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads, and Macs. At the time, OpenAI CEO Altman attended the launch event at Apple headquarters. Speaking about the collaboration, Altman said, "We are excited to partner with Apple to bring ChatGPT to our users in entirely new ways. Through our collaboration with Apple, we are enabling more people to enjoy the benefits of artificial intelligence."
2. May 2025 | OpenAI Hints at Hardware Transformation
Approximately a year later, signs of divergence began to emerge. OpenAI acquired io, a startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, for $6.4 billion, marking OpenAI's move into AI hardware. Ive and Altman showcased their collaboration in a promotional ad, outlining the future of AI devices. This move also signaled that the relationship between Apple and OpenAI might be cooling, as the latter was venturing into the hardware field, a long-standing domain for Apple. 3. January 2026 | Apple Adjusts Strategy in the AI Race
Apple has struggled to keep up in the AI race, so it has adjusted its strategy, focusing more on the integration of software and AI. In January, Apple partnered with Google to utilize Google's Gemini model and cloud computing technology to run Apple Intelligence features such as Siri.
4. July 2026 | Apple Files Trade Secret Lawsuit
Apple sued OpenAI in federal court, accusing the latter of stealing trade secrets and using Apple's intellectual property to develop its own consumer hardware products. Apple claims that OpenAI executives and former Apple employees orchestrated a large-scale operation to obtain confidential information about unreleased Apple products. Apple also accuses OpenAI of disclosing Apple's confidential information when contacting Apple's partners. OpenAI stated that it was unaware of the evidence supporting Apple's allegations and defended its employees' right to change jobs.
6. August 3, 2026 | Clash Begins
Apple filed for a preliminary injunction to prevent OpenAI from using the information in question during the trial. In response, OpenAI published a blog post titled "Apple Made a Mistake," claiming that the company never coveted Apple's secrets.
7. August 5, 2026 | OpenAI Applies for Lawsuit Dismissal
OpenAI requested a federal judge to dismiss Apple's lawsuit, stating that Apple's allegations lacked basis. OpenAI believes the lawsuit reflects Apple's difficulties in retaining engineers and keeping pace with AI development.
8. August 19, 2026 | Apple Pushes for Discovery
Apple stated in a new filing that it wants the case to proceed to the discovery stage, noting that OpenAI's arguments for dismissal will be addressed at that stage.
9. August 31, 2026 | OpenAI's Latest Response
OpenAI countered in court filings, stating that Apple failed to take sufficient measures to protect its information and is likely to lose in the legal battle, stating that Apple "cannot use its own hasty processes to blame others and excuse its own mistakes." (A hearing is scheduled for October 1.)
