Judge Grants Apple Expedited Access to OpenAI Hiring Records

The court’s decision forces OpenAI to provide interview checklists, manuals, and technical presentations within a strict five-to-fourteen-day window. Apple alleges that its former employees acted as conduits for proprietary data, specifically coaching recruits on what confidential information to bring from Cupertino to their new roles. These materials are expected to reveal whether interviewees referenced restricted Apple components or unannounced product specifications during their recruitment process.

Beyond hiring records, Judge Davila authorized depositions for three former Apple veterans now at OpenAI: Chang Liu, Alyssa Peng, and Chief Hardware Officer Tang Yew Tan. Apple will also gain access to private correspondence conducted via the LINE messaging app between the named individuals. While the judge rejected broader demands for access to OpenAI’s internal research on power management and specialized metal finishes, he signaled that Apple could resubmit narrower discovery requests in the future. The lawsuit highlights intensifying friction between the two companies as OpenAI moves toward launching consumer hardware that could eventually challenge the iPhone ecosystem.