Apple claims Prosser used insider access to leak iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design and UI changes.
The lawsuit alleges Prosser offered incentives for access to Apple’s confidential software.
Prosser denies the accusations, stating he was unaware of how the information was obtained.
iOS 26 is currently under the beta testing phase. Ever since Apple introduced its liquid glass design, the update has been in headlines for one thing or another. In the latest update, the company has sued YouTuber and tech leaker Jon Prosser, stating that he has illegally obtained and disclosed the trade secrets related to the upcoming update.
SurveyAs per the legal complaint accessed by The Verge, the company has alleged that Prosser, along with Michael Ramacciotti, has gained unauthorized access to a development iPhone belonging to Ethan Lipnik, a software engineer employed by Apple. The device reportedly had unreleased features of iOS 26.
The lawsuit claimed that Ramacciotti learned Lipnik’s iPhone passcode and used location tracking to access the device when Lipnik was away from home. He allegedly showed the development software to Prosser over a video call, which Prosser recorded and later used to publish the leaks, including the renders and videos detailing unreleased iOS features.
The company, as per The Verge, stated that it became aware of the incident back in April via an anonymous email from someone who claimed to have seen the video call and recognized Lipnik’s apartment. The company also cited a voice message in which Ramacciotti apologised to Lipnik, blaming Prosser for orchestrating the breach. Lipnik, though reportedly unaware of the plan, was terminated for failing to protect confidential company information.
Prosser had published videos on his YouTube channels showing early looks of the iOS 19, later revealed as iOS 26. The leaked content included the redesigned Camera app, an overhauled Messages app, and Apple’s new “Liquid Glass” design language.
Taking to X, Prosser denied the allegations, stating “I did not ‘plot’ to access anyone’s phone. I did not have any passwords. I was unaware of how the information was obtained.” He claims to have evidence supporting his version of events.
On the other hand, Apple is seeking damages and a court injunction to prevent further disclosure of trade secrets, noting that the development device may still have some unannounced design elements.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
