Apple has initiated legal proceedings against tech analyst Jon Prosser, accusing him of unlawfully acquiring trade secrets from a developmental iPhone. Prosser made headlines earlier this year by leaking details about the then-upcoming iOS update, portraying features like the redesigned Camera app and Messages interface. However, Apple asserts that Prosser, along with accomplice Michael Ramacciotti, orchestrated a scheme to breach the security of an Apple employee's developmental iPhone, leading to the theft of proprietary information.
The lawsuit alleges that Prosser and Ramacciotti obtained access to the iPhone by exploiting the passcode of Apple employee Ethan Lipnik, a friend of Ramacciotti. Through location-tracking, they identified a window when Lipnik was away from the device and seized the opportunity to extract confidential data. Subsequently, Ramacciotti engaged in a FaceTime call with Prosser to showcase the operational iOS 26 interface on Lipnik's iPhone, enabling Prosser to produce simulated renders of the unreleased software.
Apple also contends that the pilfered iPhone contained substantial undisclosed trade secrets of the company, the extent of which remains uncertain. The lawsuit was prompted by an anonymous tip received by Apple, detailing the alleged misconduct by Prosser and his dissemination of trade secrets to other unauthorized sources. In response, Prosser refuted the accusations made by Apple, emphasizing his lack of involvement in any illicit activities.
Legal actions were taken against Prosser and Ramacciotti under the Defend Trade Secrets Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, with Apple seeking an injunction to halt further disclosure of confidential information. Additionally, Apple terminated Lipnik's employment for failing to adhere to security protocols governing unreleased Apple products and software.
