Apple sues OpenAI for trade secrets, threatening its IPO timing

Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI last week, alleging a pattern of misconduct reaching OpenAI's chief hardware officer and claiming more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI. OpenAI has given only a hedged response so far, and the suit lands as OpenAI is reportedly eyeing an IPO.

Why it matters: Naming OpenAI's chief hardware officer suggests Apple is targeting OpenAI's hardware ambitions (the reported Jony Ive device effort) directly, not just general poaching. Litigation and discovery could complicate due diligence right as OpenAI weighs public markets, giving Apple leverage that extends well beyond a courtroom verdict.