Apple sues former iOS engineer for allegedly leaking Vision Pro, Journal app details

Apple is taking legal action against a former employee for leaking sensitive information, including details about Apple’s Journal app, the VisionOS headset, and more, to journalists and employees of other companies. The lawsuit, filed in California state court (24CV433319, pdf) ten days ago, alleges that Andrew Aude also disclosed regulatory compliance strategies, employee headcounts, and other product hardware details.

According to MacRumors, Aude reportedly admitted to leaking information in order to sabotage products and features he disagreed with.

Apple cited various communications in the lawsuit:

Between June and September 2023, Aude communicated with a Wall Street Journal journalist, referred to as “Homeboy,” over 1,400 times using an encrypted messaging app. He also shared confidential information with journalists and traveled to meet them.

Apple alleges that Aude leaked information about Apple’s Journal app to a reporter, resulting in a story about the app’s features appearing in The Wall Street Journal.

Aude, who joined Apple in 2016, had access to sensitive product information due to his role as an iOS engineer.

The leaks were not discovered until late 2023, and after initially denying involvement, Aude later admitted to leaking information to journalists. He was subsequently terminated, and Apple is seeking legal action against him.