OpenAI publishes internal messages to counter Apple's lawsuit

OpenAI has escalated its defense against Apple's lawsuit by publishing internal messages and emails. The lawsuit, filed by Apple on July 10, 2026, accuses OpenAI of using former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Tan, to obtain secret information about unreleased technologies. OpenAI disputes Apple's claim that it ignored their initial contact, stating that Apple's external lawyers emailed the wrong person after confusing two Asian surnames. OpenAI also denies any discussions with its legal director during that period and says Apple remained silent for five months before filing the suit. Regarding Chang Liu, OpenAI acknowledges that former colleagues asked him to retrieve files, but argues that Apple's system access management is faulty, leaving residual access for ex-employees. For Tang Tan, OpenAI asserts he was always clear about not using confidential information from other companies. OpenAI concludes by calling Apple's preliminary injunction request baseless and accusing Apple of rewriting the narrative. The relationship between the two companies has been strained since the integration of ChatGPT into Siri in May 2026, with OpenAI believing Apple did not fully honor the 2024 partnership, favoring Gemini as the primary engine for future Siri.