In a joint status report released earlier today, Apple said it is still awaiting additional documents from Jon Prosser and wishes to re-examine Michael Ramacciotti, while both defendants reacted to the company's handling of the case.
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According to the petition to Judge James Donato, Apple, leaker Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti are in an increasing standoff over who is responsible for delays in the trade secret theft trial that Apple filed against both defendants in July 2025.
Shortly after the announcement of iOS 26, Apple filed a trade secret lawsuit against Prosser and Ramacciotti over Prosser's videos, in which he leaked aspects of the system, including the Liquid Glass. Apple alleged that Ramacciotti illegally gained access to the development iPhone of an employee, who was later fired over the incident, and made a FaceTime call with Prosser to show him unreleased features of iOS running on the device.
Since then, the case has seen its share of drama, including a default filing by the clerk after Prosser failed to respond to Apple's complaint by the deadline, though Prosser disputed the characterization that he ignored the case. Eight months later, the court agreed to overturn that default and give him another chance to formally contest the charges.
Court documents show that Ramacciotti responded to Apple's complaint and has largely cooperated with the company's discovery requests. However, since Prosser hired representation and officially entered the case, disputes have arisen over who is responsible for the alleged trade secret disclosure and the subsequent delays.
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In the new status report, Apple expressed its desire for Ramacciotti to update his answers to questions and sit for another deposition to address what it describes as “inconsistencies between his and Mr. Prosser’s testimony.” Ramacciotti said he would agree to another deposition once Apple provides “a roadmap for resolving its claims against him, including what more, if any, it needs from him.”
As for Prosser, Apple noted that it “continues to await the production of certain additional documents that it requested three months ago,” including revenue reports and data analytics for his YouTube channels and related communications with third parties identified during his deposition. Prosser argued that “[i]t appears that the Trade Secrets at issue are no longer trade secrets and are in the public domain,” suggesting that since Apple released the Liquid Glass iOS update, the information at the heart of the lawsuit is now publicly available and therefore no longer qualifies to be considered secret.
As part of the joint status update, Ramacciotti asked the court to hold a status meeting this month, demanding that Apple explain what additional information it still needs from him. He also asked that Apple be given 30 days to drop its claims against him or commit to taking the case to trial.
Apple, meanwhile, wants discovery to continue, including a second deposition from Ramacciotti and pending documents from Prosser. Prosser has argued that he has already complied with the discovery obligations he agreed to and has responded to Apple's continued requests for additional material.
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If Judge Donato does not approve Ramacciotti's request for a status meeting, the parties propose to file another joint status report on December 2.
