Apple files a lawsuit against Jon Prosser over his iOS 26 YouTube leaks; Prosser reacts on X platform

Apple has unveiled its iOS 26 (earlier presumed to be called iOS 19) at the WWDC 2025 event in June. Before the official release of iOS 26, the rumor mill was buzzing with updates on what new changes Apple would be introducing in its next iteration. YouTuber Jon Prosser was also doing the same by providing details on iOS 26 (then iOS 19).

First, he shared about the camera app redesign, then in a podcast he shared about the Messaging app, complete with round navigation buttons at the top and rounded corners around the keyboard, and at last was a video where he showed glimpses of Liquid glass design that actually debuted with iOS 26.

Well, the leaks were somewhat to the point, but this has now caused a problem for the YouTuber, as Apple has filed a lawsuit against him.

Apple sues Jon Prosser over his iOS 26 YouTube leaks

The lawsuit is filed against Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti (another defendant) for misappropriation of trade secrets and violation of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.

Apple revealed that on April 4, the company received an anonymous tip email about potential unauthorized disclosures of Apple confidential information. Apple’s subsequent investigation revealed that Jon Prosser, working with Ramacciotti, improperly accessed and disclosed Apple’s highly confidential, unreleased software designs, including details regarding the unreleased iOS 19 (now known as iOS 26) for Apple mobile devices.

What exactly happened?

According to the lawsuit, Prosser learned that Ramacciotti needed money and that his friend Ethan Lipnik worked at Apple on unreleased software designs. Both defendants jointly planned to access Apple’s confidential and trade secret information through Lipnik’s Apple-owned development iPhone. Apple has learned the details through Ramacciotti’s audio message to Lipnik.

Ramacciotti acquired Lipnik’s passcode and then used location-tracking to determine when he would be one for an extended period. He then made a FaceTime call to Prosser, showing off iOS 26 running on the development iPhone, and then Prosser recorded the call with screen capture tools. Prosser then shared those videos as leaks of iOS 26.

It is also revealed that Lipnik’s phone contained a significant amount of additional Apple trade secret information that has not yet been publicly disclosed, and Apple does not know how much of this information is in the possession of the defendants.

Ethan Lipnik is now terminated, but it is mentioned that initially he was also unaware of that conspiracy, but when he came to know about it, he did not disclose it to Apple; rather, Apple came to know about it from an anonymous email.

Apple has now demanded a trial by jury for all causes of action, claims, or issues, and has listed the following requests-

• Judgment in Apple’s favor and against Defendants on all causes of action alleged herein;
• Injunctive relief as the Court finds necessary and appropriate;
• Damages in an amount to be proven at trial;
• Punitive damages based on the Defendants’ willful and malicious misappropriation of trade secrets;
• An order directing Defendants not to make use of or disclose Apple’s confidential, proprietary, and trade secret information to third parties without its written consent; and to return or assist Apple in locating and destroying any such information in their possession, custody, or control;
• Pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the maximum legal rate as applicable, as an element of damages that Apple has suffered as a result of the Defendants’ wrongful and unlawful acts;
• Reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred; and
• Such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.

In response to this lawsuit, Jon Prosser has reacted on the X platform that this is not how the situation played out on his end and has receipts for that.

For the record: This is not how the situation played out on my end. Luckily have receipts for that.

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. https://t.co/NSUlJPMbld

— jon prosser (@jon_prosser) July 18, 2025