Apple sues Jon Prosser for iOS 26 leak and reveals how information was obtained

Jon Prosser published a video back in April that supposedly revealed the design of iOS 26. As it turns out, the leaker's information was partially correct - the user interface of iOS 26 may not look exactly like the leaked design in some places, but the video was still an accurate preview of Apple's "Liquid Glass" design. Apple is now suing Prosser and his alleged accomplice Michael Ramacciotti.

In the lawsuit, Apple cites two facts: misappropriation of trade secrets and a violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Apple is primarily focusing on how the information was obtained rather than the fact that it was published. Ramacciotti allegedly stole the information from the iPhone of his friend and Apple employee Ethan Lipnik and then sold it to Prosser. While he was at the Apple employee's house, Ramacciotti is said to have used GPS tracking to wait until Ethan Lipnik was no longer in the vicinity.

The developer's iPhone was then unlocked with an early version of iOS 26 using a previously obtained password. The operating system was shown to Prosser in a video call, during which several new features and apps were allegedly demonstrated. Lipnik has already been fired for failing to keep the iPhone confidential in accordance with the company's guidelines. The smartphone allegedly contained a great deal more classified information, and Apple fears that Jon Prosser could publish this as well.

For this reason, Apple intends to seek an injunction from the court to prevent the publication of further trade secrets. In addition, Apple is seeking compensatory and punitive damages of an unspecified amount, plus interest, attorneys' fees, and court costs. Prosser has already released a short statement saying that he did not know how the information was obtained.