Apple Sues Jon Prosser Over iOS 26 Leak

Apple Sues YouTuber Jon Prosser Over Alleged iOS 26 Leaks

Apple has initiated legal action against YouTube content creator Jon Prosser, known online as @FrontPageTech, and Michael Ramacciotti, a tech product analyst at NTFTW, for allegedly conspiring to access an Apple employee’s development phone. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court of California, accuses Prosser and Ramacciotti of plotting to leak design and other confidential information related to the iOS 26 operating system, which Apple considers a “trade secret”. The company claims Prosser profited from these alleged leaks through YouTube ad revenue.

The core of Apple’s accusation revolves around Prosser’s alleged scheme to obtain and disseminate proprietary information about iOS 26, previously rumored to be iOS 19. His initial video on the subject, released on January 18, purportedly revealed the design of the then-speculated camera app. Apple claims this and subsequent videos contained sensitive information obtained through illicit means.

Details of Apple’s Lawsuit

The lawsuit details a timeline of events based on information received by Apple through an anonymous email on April 4. This email implicated Prosser and Ramacciotti in a “coordinated scheme” to access a development iPhone with the intention of stealing Apple’s trade secrets for personal gain. The court filing suggests a calculated effort to exploit confidential information, causing harm to Apple and its employees.

Apple’s allegations paint a picture of deliberate collusion. Prosser allegedly learned that Ramacciotti, facing financial difficulties, had a connection to Ethan Lipnik, an Apple employee working on under-development OS designs. This connection allegedly served as the entry point for accessing confidential information.

The Alleged Conspiracy

The lawsuit claims that Prosser and Ramacciotti conspired to access Apple’s confidential and trade secret information through Lipnik’s development iPhone. Apple learned about this alleged conspiracy from an audio message Ramacciotti sent to Lipnik. In this message, Ramacciotti allegedly tracked Lipnik’s location, determined his periods of absence, acquired his passcode, and subsequently broke into the development iPhone.

According to Apple, Ramacciotti then showed Prosser the features and applications of iOS 19 (now referred to as iOS 26), which Prosser later used in his videos. This unauthorized access and subsequent disclosure of confidential information form the basis of Apple’s legal action.

Prosser’s YouTube Videos

The lawsuit specifically targets three videos Prosser uploaded to his YouTube channel, FPT:

• “Here’s your very first look at iOS 19” (uploaded January 18)
• “Introducing iOS 19 | Exclusive First Look” (uploaded March 26)
• “This video is the biggest iOS leak ever | iOS 19 Early Preview” (uploaded April 8)

These videos allegedly showcased leaked designs and features of the unreleased iOS version. The first video purportedly revealed the design of the camera app, the second the lock screen’s design, and the third the home screen design.

Prosser’s Response and Denial

In response to Apple’s allegations, Jon Prosser has denied any wrongdoing. He stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the events did not unfold as Apple described and expressed a willingness to discuss the matter with the company. He specifically denied plotting to gain access to anyone’s phone.

Implications and Future of the Case

This lawsuit highlights the increasing challenges companies face in protecting their trade secrets in the digital age. The case raises important questions about the responsibilities of content creators, the protection of intellectual property, and the potential legal ramifications of accessing and disseminating confidential information. The outcome of this case could set precedents for future disputes involving leaks and trade secrets in the tech industry.