Apple is taking legal action against tech YouTuber Jon Prosser, accusing him of misappropriating trade secrets and leaking confidential details of iOS 26 ahead of its official launch.
In a newly filed lawsuit, Apple outlines a series of events it claims led to the unauthorized disclosure of internal software and interface designs, naming both Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti as co-defendants.
According to the complaint, the leak revolved around a development iPhone that belonged to Apple employee Ethan Lipnik, who is identified as a close friend of Michael Ramacciotti.
Apple alleges that Prosser and Ramacciotti conspired to gain access to the device by obtaining Lipnik’s passcode and tracking his location to determine when he would be away from home for an extended period.
During that window, Ramacciotti allegedly accessed the device and initiated a FaceTime call with Prosser, showing off unreleased iOS 26 features in real time.
Prosser is said to have screen-recorded the call and later used the footage to produce recreated renders showcased on his YouTube channel and podcast.
How the iOS 26 Leak Transpired
These leaks began in January, when Prosser published a video revealing what he described as a redesigned Camera app. In March, during an episode of his Genius Bar podcast, he shared details of a revamped Messages app with rounded interface elements.
By April, Jon Prosser presented what he called the “Liquid Glass” design, a visual overhaul that closely resembled what Apple eventually revealed at WWDC in June.
While not all the early leaks perfectly matched the final release, many of the interface elements, including pill-shaped tab bars and glass-like UI touches, closely resembled iOS 26’s official debut.
Apple claims that Jon Prosser offered financial compensation to Ramacciotti for his role in obtaining the confidential information. The company also notes that Lipnik’s device contained additional unreleased materials, the full extent of which may still be unknown.
The Cupertino-based company only became aware of the breach after receiving an anonymous email, with viewers reportedly recognizing Lipnik’s apartment in the leaked FaceTime footage.
As a result of the internal investigation, Apple terminated Lipnik’s employment for failing to follow protocols related to the protection of unreleased hardware and software and for failing to report the breach after discovering it.
In its lawsuit, Apple is requesting a court injunction to prevent further disclosure of its confidential material and is seeking monetary damages, along with the return or destruction of all proprietary data obtained through the scheme.
This lawsuit is one of Apple’s strongest legal responses to a leak in recent years. The company has long maintained a strict stance against premature disclosures, and this case could set a precedent for how it handles high-profile influencers and insiders involved in the leaks.
Prosser has denied any wrongdoing, claiming he was unaware of the breach’s origin and intends to defend himself in court.
