Apple sues leaker for compromising iOS secrets

Apple leaks have become an expected component of the technology news landscape, yet it appears that one particular leaker may have crossed a line that has drawn the ire of Apple. In a surprising turn of events, the company has initiated legal action against the well-known leaker Jon Prosser, citing his involvement in obtaining confidential information about iOS 26. According to reports from The Verge, this new mobile operating system, which was frequently referred to as iOS 19 before its formal introduction at WWDC earlier this year, became the focus of various reports featured on Prosser’s YouTube channels. Notably, these reports accurately anticipated significant redesigns of major iPhone apps before any public announcements were made.

In the lawsuit, Apple claims that “The Defendants here conspired to illegally gain access to an Apple employee’s development iPhone to steal the company’s trade secrets.” This allegation underscores the seriousness of the situation and raises questions about the ethics of information gathering in the tech sector.

Apple’s specific claim involves Prosser purportedly collaborating with another individual named Michael Ramacciotti. According to the legal documents, Prosser allegedly “promised to ‘find out a way for [Mr. Ramacciotti] to get payment’ if Mr. Ramacciotti would provide access” to a company device belonging to an Apple employee named Ethan Lipnik. Ramacciotti reportedly had a cordial relationship with Lipnik, who ultimately lost his position at Apple due to the fallout from this incident.

Apple asserts that Ramacciotti managed to breach the company phone, which was equipped with a developmental version of the new iOS, and subsequently shared new features with Prosser during a video call. This call’s content was allegedly utilized to create renders for Prosser’s reports, raising serious concerns about the integrity of confidential Apple software development.

It is important to highlight that Prosser has publicly refuted these claims on X, expressing his side of the story. In a tweet, he wrote, “For the record: This is not how the situation played out on my end. Luckily have receipts for that. I did not ‘plot’ to access anyone’s phone. I did not have any passwords. I was unaware of how the information was obtained. Looking forward to speaking with Apple on this.”

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In response to these developments, Apple is seeking both financial damages and a judicial order that would prevent Prosser from reporting on any future Apple-related secrets. The outcome of this legal battle could set significant precedents regarding the boundaries of information dissemination within the technology sector.