Apple is suing YouTuber Jon Prosser for allegedly leaking iOS 26 details using a development iPhone tied to an Apple employee. Here’s what we know.
Apple Files Lawsuit Over iOS 26 Leak Involving Jon Prosser
MacRumors is reporting that Apple has officially filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Jon Prosser and associate Michael Ramacciotti, alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets following the premature leak of iOS 26 visuals earlier this year.
The lawsuit claims that Prosser obtained confidential Apple information by accessing a development iPhone via Ramacciotti who happens to be a friend of an Apple employee. He then used the leaked visuals to re-create iOS 26 renders shown in his videos and podcasts.
The Leak Timeline: What Actually Happened?
- January: Prosser shared redesigned Camera app UI leaks (then presumed to be iOS 19).
- March: He revealed Messages app changes with round UI buttons and redesigned keyboards.
- April: He showcased a full look at the rumored Liquid Glass UI that closely matches iOS 26’s actual design.
Apple confirmed that some details matched the final design enough to raise serious concerns.
What the Lawsuit Says
According to Apple’s filing:
- A development iPhone was in the possession of Apple employee Ethan Lipnik.
- Ramacciotti allegedly acquired Lipnik’s passcode and used location-tracking to access the device while Lipnik was away.
- During the unauthorized access, Ramacciotti made a FaceTime call to Prosser, who screen recorded the iOS 26 interface.
- Prosser later re-created and published renders based on this footage.
Apple’s suit alleges that this act violated trade secret laws, with the device containing more confidential material beyond what was shown.
Apple’s Demands
Apple is asking the court to:
- Issue an injunction blocking further disclosure of its trade secrets
- Award monetary damages for the misuse of confidential information
- Enforce accountability for the alleged misuse of a development iPhone
Apple has already terminated Lipnik’s employment due to policy violations and failure to report the breach, which Apple reportedly learned about via an anonymous email.
Prosser Responds
Prosser has denied Apple’s framing of the events. In response to online reports, he posted on X:
“I was unaware of the situation playing out. Looking forward to speaking with Apple about it.”
Key Takeaways
- This lawsuit marks one of the most high-profile legal actions Apple has taken against a leaker in recent years.
- The case brings new attention to the ethics of leaks and the blurred line between reporting and accessing proprietary content.
- As the situation unfolds, it may reshape how tech creators approach leaks and what legal lines cannot be crossed.
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