Overview
Tang Yew Tan is OpenAI’s chief hardware officer and a named defendant in Apple’s July 2026 trade-secrets lawsuit. Previously VP of product design at apple, leading iPhone and Apple Watch design. Left Apple February 2024 to work with Jony Ive at io-products.
Allegations (Unproven)
- Used confidential Apple information in OpenAI recruiting
- Instructed candidates to bring Apple hardware parts and prototypes to interviews
- Emailed supplier information to personal account before departure
- Distributed Apple “Need to Know” departure security document to OpenAI hires
All claims are allegations in an active lawsuit; not proven facts.