New Delhi: Apple is known for its big launches, secret features, and tight security. But this time, it’s not just about gadgets. It’s about courtrooms, leaked videos, and a well-known YouTuber, Jon Prosser. Apple has taken the surprising step of suing Prosser and another person named Michael Ramacciotti for leaking iOS 26 features way before the official release.
Apple has filed a lawsuit in a California federal court. The main point is that confidential features of iOS 26, Apple’s next big software update, were leaked by Jon Prosser on his YouTube channel, Front Page Tech. This has become a hot topic in the tech world, with experts comparing this case to earlier trade secret cases covered on platforms like MacRumors.
But the twist? Apple says it all started when Michael Ramacciotti accessed a development iPhone that belonged to Ethan Lipnik, an Apple employee. This happened when Ramacciotti was staying at Lipnik’s house. Using Lipnik’s schedule and passcode, he got into the phone and did a FaceTime call with Prosser, showing him all the unreleased features. According to legal details first highlighted by The Verge, Prosser allegedly recorded this FaceTime call and used the visuals to make content on his YouTube channel.
Apple claims this wasn’t just an accidental leak. They believe Prosser actually planned the whole thing and maybe even promised Ramacciotti some sort of reward. Viewers even noticed Lipnik’s apartment in the background, confirming that the phone was accessed without proper permission. As a result, Apple fired Lipnik for failing to protect sensitive data.
The leaked video showed a bunch of new features from iOS 26. This included a new Camera app with easier controls, a redesigned Messages app with rounded buttons and curvy keyboards, and a fresh design style called Liquid Glass, known for its pill-shaped tab bars and smooth user interface. According to early breakdowns on TechCrunch, the “Liquid Glass” design marks one of Apple’s biggest visual shifts in years.
Apple now wants the court to stop both Prosser and Ramacciotti from sharing or using any more confidential information. They also want any material they have to be destroyed or returned. The company is worried that more hidden features could’ve been saved from the development phone and that the full damage is still unknown.
Jon Prosser, who’s known for breaking Apple news before launch events, says he did nothing illegal. He posted online that he didn’t plan to steal anything, nor did he know how the information was originally obtained. He also said he never had any passwords and didn’t hack anything. Prosser believes he was simply doing what tech journalists like him do, reporting news. Similar cases have sparked debates about journalistic rights, like those discussed in the Electronic Frontier Foundation reports.
While Prosser says he’s ready to talk to Apple and has proof to defend himself, Ramacciotti hasn’t made any public comments yet.
