Apple sues YouTuber: Why the iPhone maker is taking Jon Prosser to court over a leaked video call
Live Events
What Apple is asking from the court
Prosser's response
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Apple has filed a lawsuit against well-known tech YouTuber Jon Prosser, accusing him of stealing trade secrets and violating U.S. computer fraud laws. The case, filed in the Northern District of California, involves early leaks of iOS 26 — previously known by its codename iOS 19 — and details how confidential software features may have been accessed and shared months before Apple's official announcement.According to Apple's complaint, first reported by MacRumors, the issue began in April when Apple received a tip that a development device had been compromised. The company alleges that Michael Ramacciotti, also named in the lawsuit, tracked Apple employee Ethan Lipnik's location to find a time when Lipnik was away from home. Ramacciotti then reportedly used Lipnik's passcode to unlock his development iPhone, which contained unreleased iOS 19 software.Apple claims Ramacciotti made a video call to Prosser during this break-in and showed him the confidential software. Prosser allegedly recorded the video call using screen capture tools and later used some of that footage in a YouTube video. Apple says the video helped Prosser earn ad revenue while exposing private details from the development software.Apple's legal filing also says that Prosser supported the act by promising to help arrange payment for Ramacciotti. The company added that some viewers were able to identify Lipnik's apartment in the leaked content, which added to the credibility of its claims.Apple further stated that it does not yet know whether Prosser has additional confidential material from the device, which reportedly held other unreleased design elements.Apple is seeking a jury trial. It wants the court to order Prosser and Ramacciotti to return or destroy any confidential material they may still have. The company is also demanding financial compensation in the form of compensatory and punitive damages. Additionally, Apple wants an order that prevents both individuals from using or sharing any of its trade secrets.Apple has already fired Lipnik. According to the company, he had no idea how his phone was compromised until others informed him after seeing the leaked video.Jon Prosser addressed the lawsuit in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He denied the charges and shared his version of events.'For the record: This is not how the situation played out on my end. Luckily have receipts for that,' he said.'I did not 'plot' to access anyone's phone. I did not have any passwords. I was unaware of how the information was obtained. Looking forward to speaking with Apple on this,' Prosser said on X.The court is yet to set a date for the trial.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Volvo India's gear shift: Changes EV-only plan; ICE models to stay amid slow uptake
Volvo Cars India has revised its earlier strategy of transitioning to an all-electric portfolio, opting instead to continue selling both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the country. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now currently account for around 25% of Volvo's sales in India. However, the market for premium battery electric vehicles (BEVs) remains small, although the company notes signs of recovery in the last six months following a slump a year ago. The decision comes after companies' previous claims to phase out ICE models entirely. Volvo Cars India, managing director Jyoti Malhotra, speaking to Economic Times, said 'The adoption rate (of electric vehicles) is different in different countries. And even within the country (in India), it's different across states.' 'We will continue to drive in electric cars and have a launch lined up later this year itself. But at the same time, we will continue to focus on ICE,' he added. Volvo had announced plans to go fully electric by 2030 globally, but the timelines have now been extended. 'About a year back, EVs had started losing steam. We are seeing some uptick in the segment in the last six months. But customer needs are different across regions,' said Malhotra. He pointed out that state policies and infrastructure play a pivotal role in EV adoption. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi have favourable tax regimes and more low-rise housing, are seeing better uptake, compared to cities dominated by high-rises, where home charging is a challenge. India currently levies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on EVs, while hybrids attract a much steeper 43%. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Volvo offers plug-in hybrids in international markets, but Malhotra clarified that Indian launches would depend on more favourable tax regime. The company is preparing to introduce a new electric model later this year but will simultaneously retain focus on ICE vehicles to cater to diverse market needs. Volvo's shift aligns with similar moves by global peers such as Jaguar Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, who are reassessing their timelines for a fully electric portfolio amid similar market realities. Industry data shows that around 22,900 luxury vehicles were sold in the first half of 2025, marking a modest 1.8% increase year-on-year. He also welcomed India's ongoing negotiations around Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), noting their potential to boost the auto sector. 'The UK FTA has set a benchmark. While the one with the EU is still some time away, free trade agreements are good for the economy,' he said.
Hindustan Times
38 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
iPhone 17 Air is likely to adopt iPhone 16 Pro's metal battery cover, but at a cost
Apple is expected to launch the new ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air next month. This new model is likely to take the place of the Plus variant and will compete with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge due to its slimness. Over the past few months, several rumours surrounding the iPhone 17 Air have surfaced, giving us a glimpse of what Apple may reveal. Now, in a latest leak, the ultra-thin iPhone's battery pack image was leaked, showcasing an iPhone 16 Pro-like metal cover. However, the lower battery capacity could still be a major concern for buyers. iPhone 17 Air's lower battery capacity could be a major concern; here's what we know so far.(Majin Bu) Also read: iPhone 17 Air likely to get 12GB RAM upgrade: Know what's coming iPhone 17 Air battery A tipster who goes by the name Majin Bu on X (formerly Twitter) shared an image post revealing an L-shaped battery pack of the iPhone 17 Air. In the image, the battery pack consisted of a metal casing, similar to what the iPhone 16 Pro model has to manage heat dissipation. It was further highlighted that the battery could pack about a 2,900 mAh battery, since the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be 5.5mm slim in measure. While the smartphone is expected to get a Pro upgrade, it will likely retain the lower battery capacity as expected earlier. Therefore, the iPhone 17 Air could have the shortest battery life among other latest iPhone models. Despite these expected shortcomings, the smartphone is expected to come with a phone case with an integrated battery pack. While it will be sold separately, but it could give buyers a few extra hours of run time. Apart from the optional phone case, the iOS 26 will also come with a new 'Adaptive Power Mode' that will reduce background activities to increase the battery life of the smartphone. Also read: iPhone 17e is already in planning for 2026 launch- Here's what Apple may do iPhone 17 Air: What to expect While many of us are concerned about iPhone 17 Air's battery life, the smartphone is also expected to offer some powerful features. Firstly, it will likely be backed by the A19 chip coupled with 12GB RAM. The ultra-thin iPhone could feature a 48MP single rear camera and a 24MP selfie camera. The smartphone is also expected to feature a 6.5-inch OLED display that could offer a 120Hz refresh rate. Lastly, it is expected to feature MagSafe charging, a Camera Control button, and an Action Button, despite having a slimmer build. Therefore, apart from battery and camera compromises, the iPhone 17 Air looks quite promising.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Apple's tariff-fueled iPhone sales surge raises doubts about sustainability
Apple's best revenue growth in three years failed to impress, with shares down about 1% in volatile trading on Friday, as investors questioned whether a tariff-driven surge in iPhone sales would last. A rush to buy iPhones ahead of potential U.S. tariff-driven price increases, along with China subsidies and upbeat demand for the budget 16e model launched in February, fueled a 13.5% jump in the quarterly sales of the device, crushing expectations. That pushed up total revenue by a better-than-expected 10% in the April-June period, and Apple issued an above-estimate sales forecast for the current quarter ending in September. The results came at a precarious time for the company long seen as Big Tech's safest bet. Beyond the tariff threats facing its manufacturing hubs China and India, Apple has been slow to move on artificial intelligence technology that its software and devices rivals have embraced as their next big growth driver. Analysts said the sales rebound in China, where local rivals have moved faster than Apple on AI features, was a positive. The company benefited in the world's largest smartphone market from a state subsidy program meant to prop up device sales. But they also warned the 'pull-in' boost was expected to be temporary, raising doubts about demand for the rest of the year. 'Pull-forward, remember, is not a U.S. issue. It's also a China issue. There, Apple's Pro model iPhones were too expensive to qualify for Chinese government subsidies that were being offered … so they cut prices to qualify, leaning into the volume opportunity. It worked,' MoffettNathanson analysts said. 'But as with the U.S., what does that mean for the rest of the year?' So far this year, Apple stock has underperformed all its 'Magnificent Seven' peers barring Tesla, with a decline of more than 17%. The S&P has risen 7.8% in the period Many of Apple's products are currently exempt from tariffs, and the company has also been rebalancing its supply chain to shield itself from the duties, sourcing iPhones from India and other products such as Macs and Apple Watches from Vietnam. The U.S. is currently negotiating trade deals with both China and India, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying India could face 25% tariffs as early as Friday. Apple said tariffs would raise costs by $1.1 billion in the current quarter after the company said it took an $800 million hit from tariffs in the third quarter. Its AI strategy also remains a concern after Apple delayed the release of an AI-enhanced version of Siri virtual assistant and was slow to launch Apple Intelligence. CEO Tim Cook said on Thursday the company was making good progress on Siri and that Apple is 'significantly growing' its investments in AI. 'Brand loyalty gives Apple time to get the AI transition right, but it needs to start delivering,' said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown.
