Apple Sues YouTuber Jon Prosser ⁢Over Alleged iOS 26 Leak

Apple has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber ⁤Jon Prosser ⁢and Michael Ramacciotti, accusing them of conspiring ⁤to illegally access and disclose confidential information about Apple’s unreleased operating system, then known as iOS 19⁢ and later referred to as iOS 26.The ⁣tech giant alleges⁢ that the pair obtained trade secrets from an Apple employee’s development iPhone, leading to ⁣the employee’s termination.

the Allegations: A Conspiracy to Leak ⁢Trade Secrets

According to the lawsuit, Prosser and⁣ Ramacciotti allegedly collaborated to breach the‍ security of an Apple employee’s development iPhone. apple claims that‍ Prosser, a prominent tech leaker, ⁤worked with⁤ Ramacciotti, who shared housing with Apple ⁢employee Ethan Lipnik, to obtain sensitive details‍ about the upcoming iOS 19 (later iOS ⁢26). Lipnik,who was employed by Apple from 2023 to 2025,was ‍reportedly fired due to his involvement in the leak.

The lawsuit details an anonymous tip received by Apple on April 4th, which suggested that either Prosser ⁣or Ramacciotti engaged lipnik in a FaceTime call discussing the then-unreleased iOS 26. This tip indicated that Prosser received information about ⁣the operating system’s lock screen, home screen, app animations, and interfaces, including ‍video evidence of the unique interface.

Apple ⁢asserts ⁤that Prosser was aware of Ramacciotti’s financial needs and his cohabitation with Lipnik, who was working⁣ on the ‍unreleased operating system. The company ⁢alleges that Prosser and Ramacciotti ⁣”jointly planned ⁤to access Apple’s confidential and trade secret information through Mr. Lipnik’s Apple-owned development ⁤iPhone.”

The Role of Ethan lipnik and Michael Ramacciotti

The⁣ legal⁢ filing further elaborates on the alleged methods used to obtain the leaked information. Apple states⁤ that Lipnik provided an audio message from⁢ Ramacciotti, which purportedly details how Ramacciotti used location tracking to determine when Lipnik ⁢would⁤ be away for extended periods. The message also allegedly indicates that Ramacciotti acquired‍ Lipnik’s‍ passcode and “broke into his development iPhone.”⁢ Apple notes that Lipnik had not secured his device‍ in accordance with⁤ company policy.”As he detailed in the audio message, Mr. Ramacciotti made⁢ a video call to Mr. Prosser and ‘showed [the] iOS’‍ on the development ⁤iPhone,” the lawsuit claims.”He demonstrated several features and applications, disclosing details of the⁣ unreleased iOS 19 operating⁢ system.”

Prosser Denies Allegations

Jon Prosser has publicly denied Apple’s accusations. In an X post, Prosser stated, “This is ⁤not how the situation played out on my ⁤end.” He further clarified, “I did not ‘plot’ to access anyone’s phone. I did not have any passwords. I was unaware of how the information was obtained.” Prosser expressed his⁢ anticipation of discussing the matter ⁣with Apple.

Apple Seeks Damages and Injunctive Relief

Apple is⁣ seeking⁢ important compensation for the ‍alleged breach of trade secrets. The company claims to have suffered‍ financial losses exceeding $5,000 over a one-year⁣ period and is pursuing ⁢monetary and punitive⁢ damages,⁣ to be determined at trial, along with interest.

Along with ⁣financial damages, Apple is requesting injunctive⁢ relief. This would aim to prevent Prosser and Ramacciotti from further releasing Apple’s trade secrets‍ to third parties⁣ without explicit written consent. Apple also seeks⁤ the return or assistance in locating ‍and destroying any trade secrets that may still be in their possession.