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In a significant legal move, Apple has filed a lawsuit against prominent YouTuber Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti, alleging the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information related to its upcoming iOS 26 operating system, specifically the highly anticipated “Liquid Glass” software redesign. The tech giant claims this was not merely a leak but a “coordinated scheme” to exploit trade secrets for financial gain.
The controversy first surfaced in January when Jon Prosser, known for his technology leaks on the Front Page Tech channel, posted a video claiming to offer an exclusive “first look” at what he then referred to as “iOS 19.” While he stated he couldn’t show the actual video he saw, his mock-up of a redesigned Camera app ultimately previewed the widespread “Liquid Glass” aesthetic that Apple officially unveiled months later at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
Apple’s Allegations: A Coordinated Scheme
According to the lawsuit, which confirms the authenticity of Prosser’s early access to the new OS and design, Apple’s core grievance extends beyond a simple leak. The company asserts that Prosser and Ramacciotti orchestrated a plan to illicitly obtain and disseminate Apple’s proprietary information. The complaint, detailed by MacRumors, paints a picture of deliberate action aimed at profiting from stolen trade secrets through YouTube ad revenue.
Apple’s filing describes the alleged misconduct as “brazen and egregious.” It claims that Michael Ramacciotti, a friend of an Apple employee named Ethan Lipnik, gained unauthorized access to Lipnik’s company-issued iPhone. This device reportedly contained an in-development version of iOS 26. Allegedly, at Prosser’s direction, Ramacciotti used FaceTime to display the confidential software design to the YouTuber while Lipnik was away from home. The lawsuit states that this plan was conceived after Prosser learned of Ramacciotti’s financial difficulties and Lipnik’s involvement with unreleased Apple software.
Evidence and Employee Termination
Central to Apple’s case is an audio message Ramacciotti allegedly sent to Lipnik, which Lipnik subsequently provided to Apple. The complaint also references an anonymous email from April 4, which reportedly identified Lipnik as the source of the leaks and implicated Ramacciotti and others. As a direct consequence, Apple has terminated Ethan Lipnik’s employment, citing his failure to adhere to company policies designed to protect confidential information and development devices. The company further accuses Lipnik of not reporting “multiple prior breaches” of its security protocols.
Prosser’s Defense: “I Have Receipts”
In response to the lawsuit, Jon Prosser has taken to social media to dispute Apple’s account of events. He contends that Apple’s timeline is inaccurate, stating, “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.” Prosser later shared a screenshot from a messaging app, dated February, suggesting that the “Liquid Glass” design information was sent to him unsolicited, implying he was merely a recipient, not an instigator of the theft.
Seeking Damages and Protection of Trade Secrets
Apple’s lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from both Prosser and Ramacciotti. Beyond financial compensation, the tech giant aims to safeguard its invaluable trade secrets and prevent the defendants from engaging in further unlawful activities. Despite the public unveiling of iOS 26 and the “Liquid Glass” design, Apple asserts that Prosser and Ramacciotti pose an “ongoing threat,” as Lipnik’s compromised development iPhone reportedly contained other unannounced and confidential design elements.