Elon Musk and Sam Altman are publicly clashing again after Apple filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI, its hardware partner io, and two former Apple employees of misappropriating trade secrets.
The legal case centers on io, the AI hardware startup founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, which OpenAI acquired as part of its push into consumer AI devices. OpenAI denied the allegations, saying it has "no interest in other companies' trade secrets."
The lawsuit quickly reignited the long-running feud between the two tech leaders.
On X, Altman pointed to OpenAI's latest AI model, writing: "The most reliable way to tell is that elon is obsessed with me again."
Musk responded by repeatedly calling him "Scam Altman" and accused OpenAI of betraying its original nonprofit mission. Altman fired back by mocking Musk's plans for space-based data centers, prompting Musk to joke that Altman could visit if his "parole officer" allowed it.
The rivalry stretches back to 2015, when the pair cofounded OpenAI. They later split over the company's leadership, funding, and direction.
Since then, Musk has sued OpenAI over its shift to a for-profit structure, while also launching rival AI company xAI. Although a federal jury ruled against Musk earlier this year, he has said he plans to appeal.