YouTuber Faces Legal Action for iOS 26 Leak

The cycle of rumors surrounding the release of major tech products often features industry insiders. Figures like Jon Prosser and Mark Gurman have made a name predicting Apple’s upcoming releases, often drawing upon sources within the company. Their accurate leaks have frequently troubled Apple.

Apple is now seizing the opportunity to push back on leaks. The company has lodged a legal complaint in a Northern California federal court against well-known leaker Jon Prosser. Apple accuses him of orchestrating a plan to access a proprietary Apple iPhone used for development, to misappropriate its confidential business information, and make a profit from it.

The lawsuit suggests that Prosser, alongside an accomplice, took advantage of Ethan Lipnik, an Apple employee with access to the iPhone showing an unreleased version of the software. According to the suit, Prosser worked with Michael Ramacciotti, who allegedly waited for Lipnik to be absent to explore the development phone. He then reportedly shared critical details of the unreleased iOS with Prosser via video communication. Prosser is said to have used this information in his YouTube content before Apple’s official announcement.

Additionally, the suit accuses Ramacciotti of asserting that Prosser orchestrated the scheme, assuring him that he would discover a method for Ramacciotti to be compensated.

In response, Prosser has rejected the allegations, arguing that they misrepresent what occurred. Through public posts, he has challenged the accuracy of Apple's claims.

"The information provided to Apple was not accurate," Prosser communicated directly through a message. "I wasn't aware of how the information was sourced. He never indicated he was in need of money, and I certainly did not direct him to undertake such actions."

Prosser admits to publicizing information obtained from Ramacciotti. He presented insights into the undisclosed update in several videos, describing the disclosure as "the largest iOS leak to date."

The fallout from the alleged information breach has been turbulent. Ethan Lipnik, the Apple staffer implicated in providing access to the development phone, was dismissed. Apple’s complaint suggests his termination was due to non-compliance with company rules for safeguarding its secret projects, including unreleased devices and features.

Both Apple and Ethan Lipnik have not responded to requests for their comments.

According to tech analyst Anshel Sag from Moor Insights & Strategy, the lawsuit holds significant weight. However, there's a discernible gap between Prosser’s account and Apple’s charges, particularly given Lipnik's apparent ignorance of the scheme.

Sag points out the problem lies in how sensitive information from a poorly secured development device was acquired and eventually circulated without proper verification.

"Every corporation battles leaks, especially Apple," Sag remarks. In the US, Apple's battle against leaks benefits from strong legal frameworks, unlike the global leaks often emanating from Apple's partners in other regions. By filing in federal court, Apple invokes the Defend Trade Secrets Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, centered on alleged antics within California.

Prosser claims he learned of the legal action only through a news article on the subject.

"I feel horrible that Ethan lost his job over this," Prosser confesses. "I wish he had disclosed the situation to Apple and I wish Apple had approached me for additional clarity. I would have gladly cooperated."