Apple has filed a lawsuit against well-known YouTuber and leaker Jon Prosser, accusing him of stealing trade secrets related to iOS 26. The tech giant alleges that Prosser worked with a third party to gain unauthorized access to confidential Apple software, resulting in the premature disclosure of new features and designs ahead of the iOS 26 announcement.
How the Alleged Leak Happened
According to Apple’s legal filing, Prosser recruited Michael Ramacciotti to secretly access a development iPhone belonging to Apple software engineer Ethan Lipnik. Apple claims Prosser promised Ramacciotti either money or future job opportunities in exchange for information from the unreleased version of iOS.
Ramacciotti allegedly learned Lipnik’s passcode, tracked his location to determine when he’d be away, and accessed the iPhone without permission. He then reportedly shared the screen with Prosser via a video call footage which Prosser recorded, distributed, and used to publish renders and leaks of upcoming iOS features.
Leaks Published by Prosser
Prosser released multiple videos via his Front Page Tech and Genius Bar Podcast YouTube channels in early 2025. These included:
- A January 2025 video showing an early look at a redesigned Camera app in iOS 26 (then believed to be iOS 19).
- A March 2025 video previewing the new Messages app UI.
- An April 2025 leak dubbed “The Biggest iOS Leak Ever,” showcasing Apple’s Liquid Glass design language.
Apple says these videos contained proprietary designs that were still under wraps and not intended for public viewing at the time.
How Apple Found Out
The alleged plot came to light in April 2025, when Apple received an anonymous email from someone who claimed to have seen Prosser’s video call recording and recognized Lipnik’s apartment. Apple further cites a voice note from Ramacciotti to Lipnik apologizing and stating that the scheme was orchestrated by Prosser.
As a result, Apple terminated Lipnik for not following internal protocols for securing pre-release software.
Prosser Denies the Allegations
In response, Jon Prosser took to X (formerly Twitter) to deny the allegations, stating:
“That’s not how the situation played out on my end. 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 also claims to have evidence that contradicts Apple’s narrative and says he’ll defend himself accordingly.
What Apple Wants
In the lawsuit, Apple is seeking:
- Financial damages for the unauthorized disclosures.
- A court order barring Prosser from leaking or using Apple trade secrets again.
The company argues that although iOS 26 is now public, the accessed development iPhone still contained additional unreleased design elements that remain confidential