Many are already accustomed to the fact that there are rumours on the Web about Apple devices that have not yet been released almost every day. Sometimes they are extraordinary (like augmented reality contact lenses in 2030), but often the leaks turn out to be believable, and afterwards, Apple does show such a device. But have you ever wondered how such information gets into the media? In fact, there are several channels of leakage, from factory employees in Chinese factories to Apple’s administrative staff. There are even rumours that Apple itself is sanctioning some of the leaks to “stir up interest in new devices.” But judging by the fact that the company intends to sue its former employee for disseminating classified information, this is not the case.
Apple wants to sue former employee
Apple today filed a lawsuit against Simon Lancaster, a former Apple employee who allegedly used his position at the company to steal “confidential business information.” The stolen information was then passed on to reporters and published in articles about rumours of new devices or Apple plans.
Lancaster worked at Apple for over a decade, using his seniority to attend secret internal meetings and access documents that Apple said were “outside the scope of his job.” The details he received were published in media articles, which cited a source from Apple. In exchange for the information provided, Lancaster either took money from journalists or entered into an exchange. For example, he asked a media representative he contracted to write about a startup he invested in.
How Apple Rumors Get on the Web
Until November 1, 2019, Lancaster worked as a lead materials specialist and designer, and he was involved in several Apple projects. His role was to evaluate materials and build prototypes for future devices. On November 29, 2018, he began transmitting information to the media through text messages, emails and phone calls.
The correspondent repeatedly asked Lancaster to download certain documents and obtain information about Apple’s trade secrets. On several occasions, an employee sent the requested confidential material using Apple-owned devices by mail. On other occasions, Lancaster met with a reporter in person to leak information.
According to Apple, the information Lancaster shared included details of Apple’s unreleased hardware products, new features not yet announced, and future device launches. The company does not specify exactly which devices were leaked by a former employee. Still, many of the leaks occurred around October and November 2019 and concern what Apple calls “Project X”. It is not clear what this project means: maybe an Apple Car? Or the iPhone SE 2, which just started to be leaked to the Web at the end of 2019?
Like all Apple employees, Lancaster signed a Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Agreement before he was hired by Apple, which prohibits him from disclosing classified and proprietary information. He also attended security trainings dedicated to preventing theft of classified documents. Therefore, Apple is seeking damages for theft of trade secrets, while the company plans to determine the exact amount in court. Apple also wants to recover from Lancaster all the money it gets from the theft of documents. And it is clear that the company plans to go all the way.