Apple has targeted 40 former OpenAI employees with personal legal letters, directing them to preserve documents and meet with Apple’s lawyers. The move follows last week’s blockbuster lawsuit accusing OpenAI and two employees of stealing secret hardware plans.

The clash comes as OpenAI works with Apple’s ex‑chief designer Jony Ive to develop its own devices. Apple claims the evidence it has is the “tip of the iceberg” of alleged conduct, while OpenAI says it has no evidence of merit and no interest in other companies’ trade secrets.

The lawsuit marks a breakdown between two Silicon Valley giants and creates legal hurdles for OpenAI’s upcoming IPO. Apple alleges OpenAI’s hardware business is compromised by misappropriated trade secrets, complicating its plans to launch AI devices. The two companies previously integrated OpenAI technology into Siri.

Apple’s filing names only two individuals, including a top Apple device designer who is now OpenAI’s head of hardware. Apple’s lawyers sent letters to about 10% of the 400 LS former employees. OpenAI’s first device is a palm‑sized smart‑speaker‑style gadget with microphones and cameras, expected after the lawsuit.