Apple has filed a lawsuit against tech YouTuber Jon Prosser, accusing him of leaking unreleased features of iOS 26. The company alleges that Prosser gained access to internal materials through unauthorized means and violated trade secret laws.
In a detailed complaint filed on July 17, 2025, Apple names Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti as co-defendants in a scheme that involved misappropriating a development iPhone belonging to an Apple employee. This case could become a landmark moment in Apple’s legal crackdown on high-profile leakers.
Allegations Behind the iOS 26 Leak
Apple claims the leak originated from a prototype iPhone owned by Ethan Lipnik, an employee in its internal development team. According to the lawsuit, Lipnik’s close friend, Michael Ramacciotti, used privileged knowledge—including Lipnik’s passcode and routine location data—to gain access to the device while Lipnik was away.
During this unauthorized access window, Ramacciotti allegedly initiated a FaceTime video call with Jon Prosser, showcasing unreleased elements of iOS 26 in real time. Prosser is then said to have screen-recorded the session and recreated the visuals as renders and animations for his YouTube videos and podcast.
Timeline of Leaks and Content Creation
Prosser’s iOS 26 leaks reportedly started in January 2025 when he revealed a new Camera app redesign. By March, he shared further UI changes, including rounded interface elements in the Messages app, on his Genius Bar podcast.
In April, Prosser posted visuals of the rumored “Liquid Glass” design, showcasing a transparent UI concept later confirmed at WWDC 2025. Although not every leak was exact, many of his predictions closely mirrored the final product.
Apple’s Response and Legal Action
Apple’s internal probe began after receiving an anonymous email tip, which pointed investigators to Lipnik’s apartment, reportedly identifiable in leaked video footage. Apple subsequently terminated Lipnik’s employment for failing to protect sensitive data and failing to report the breach once discovered.
In court filings, Apple alleges that:
- Prosser offered financial compensation to Ramacciotti.
- Confidential materials beyond iOS 26 may still be in Prosser’s possession.
- The leak caused potential financial and reputational harm to the company.
Apple is requesting:
- A court injunction to stop the spread of leaked content.
- The return or destruction of all proprietary data.
- Monetary damages to be determined at trial.
Jon Prosser Denies Any Wrongdoing
In a tweet posted on July 17, 2025, Jon Prosser denied any involvement in a conspiracy to access Apple’s devices. He stated:
“For the record: I certainly did not ‘plot’ to access anyone’s phone and was unaware of the situation playing out.”
In an earlier tweet, he added:
“Interesting. This is not how things went down on my end. Looking forward to being able to speak to Apple about it.”
These tweets suggest that Prosser intends to defend himself vigorously in court, insisting he had no prior knowledge of how the footage was obtained.
Legal and Industry Implications
The case against Jon Prosser is one of Apple’s most aggressive legal responses to a leak in recent years. The company has always been protective of its intellectual property, and this lawsuit signals a shift toward targeting influencers who use leaked material for content monetization.
If Apple succeeds, it may set a precedent for how tech insiders and creators interact with confidential information. It could also reshape the boundaries of investigative tech reporting, especially in an era where YouTube and podcasts rival traditional media.
