Apple is pushing its lawsuit against OpenAI over alleged intellectual property theft, filing a motion for a preliminary injunction on August 3, 2026. The request seeks to bar OpenAI and two former Apple employees from acquiring or using confidential information, and it compels the firm to submit documentation related to the case. Apple also asks for depositions of multiple OpenAI representatives and specifically the ex‑Apple staffers Chang Liu and Tang Tan.

The injunction aims to prevent further harm while the discovery process moves forward. Apple argues that without it, the company would suffer irreparable damage. The motion also seeks to expedite the case, potentially speeding up the resolution of the dispute.

The case underscores the growing tension between hardware and software giants over AI development.

If granted, the ruling could delay OpenAI’s first AI hardware launch, which is expected to resemble an Apple Home Pod. OpenAI would need to prove that the device was developed without using Apple’s trade secrets—a difficult task. The United States District Court for the Northern District of California will review the filing, but no hearing date has been announced yet.