Shock Legal Battle: Apple Secures Default Against Leaker

Apple Sues Over iOS 26 Trade Secrets

Apple has intensified its legal action against prominent tech leaker Jon Prosser. The lawsuit was filed in July. It names Prosser and his associate, Michael Ramacciotti. The complaint accuses the pair of stealing Apple trade secrets. This involves confidential information about the iOS 26 software update. Apple claims the pair ran a coordinated scheme. This scheme intended to unlawfully access a development iPhone. This specific iPhone belonged to a former Apple software engineer. They sought to steal and profit from the company’s secrets.

The Leak and The Liquid Glass Design

Prosser leaked various details about iOS 26. He did this through videos on his YouTube channel, Front Page Tech. These videos were posted months before the official reveal. Apple officially announced the software at WWDC 2025 in June. The leaked details proved highly accurate. They showed the new translucent design. Apple eventually called this “Liquid Glass.” The leaks also revealed updated UI controls and system icons. This pre-release disclosure damaged Apple. It gave competitors an advantage. They knew more about Apple‘s unreleased functionality early. Apple is seeking monetary damages. They also want a permanent injunction. This would prevent Prosser and Ramacciotti from further disclosures.

Default Judgment Against Prosser

The legal battle has reached a key point. Ramacciotti was granted an extension to formally respond. However, Prosser missed his deadline to file a response. Apple‘s lawyers reported his failure to appear. Consequently, Apple filed a request for a default judgment against Prosser. A default was entered by the court recently. This move allows the case against Prosser to proceed without his defense. It could result in the judge ruling in Apple‘s favor.

Despite this court entry, Prosser has issued a statement. He claims he is not ignoring the case. Instead, he states he has been in “active communications with Apple.” He maintains this has been true since the case’s early stages. However, this private communication does not substitute for a formal legal response. Prosser still has a path. He can ask the court to set aside the default. This is only if he can show a justified cause for his failure to respond. The lawsuit against Ramacciotti continues separately.

 origin: The Verge