Apple accuses Andrew Aude, one of its engineers in charge of battery optimization, of being at the origin of a series of leaks on its future products. Several screenshots suggest he spoke with leakers and journalists.
For more than a decade, Apple has been a highly commented company. The whole world is interested in the brand's products, which are regularly victims of leaks several months before their announcements. Some see it as a brand strategy, which is done on purpose, but the reality is different. Internally, Apple hunts leakerstries to trap them and, when she catches one, does not hesitate to attack it.
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On March 18, 2024, Apple filed a complaint against Andrew Aude, one of its engineers in charge of battery optimization. She accuses him of having betrayed his confidentiality agreements by exchanging confidential information with journalists, leakers and other businesses.
Apple Vision Pro, Journal and other products
In 2016, after finishing his studies, Andrew Aude joined Apple. The brand accuses its former engineer (whom it describes as “very well paid”) of being the origin of at least half a dozen rumors in five years. Andrew Aude allegedly boasted of circulating “top secret” information on unpublished applications, unannounced hardware, compliance strategies and research into spatial computing.
According to Apple, Andrew Aude leaked this information with his professional iPhone, provided by Apple. He notably discussed with a journalist from Wall Street Journal more than 1,400 times, to communicate information about a future Apple product. The media The Information, who obtained a lot of information on the Vision Pro, was also in contact with Andrew Aude. 10,000 messages would have been exchanged.
To accuse Andrew Aude, Apple accessed his professional iPhone. His Google searches and screenshots allegedly prove his intention to “create chaos” by releasing secret information. Andrew Aude is said to have often boasted about being a friend of the media and being the source of leaks, while taking screenshots of his pride.
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At the end of 2023, Apple announced to Andrew Aude that it had identified it. The engineer reportedly refused to admit guilt, but immediately deleted the app Signal from his phone, potentially eliminating additional conversations (even if screenshots exist). The brand obtained a confession in December, but the extent of the leaks remains incalculable. “More than a month ago, Apple contacted Mr. Aude to understand the extent of his leaks and ask for his full cooperation in resolving this matter without litigation. Mr. Aude, however, did not commit to cooperating” the complaint states, to justify Apple's decision to attack a former employee.
A message sent to other leakers?
Fired on December 15, 2023, Andrew Aude is at great risk. Apple is seeking damages from him, but also an injunction prohibiting him from disclosing any further confidential information. The company is also seeking return or divestment of discretionary bonuses and restricted stock units awarded, including unvested ones. Obviously, Andrew Aude's reputation risks taking a hit.
With this high-profile attack, Apple is sending a strong message to its other employees who are tempted to leak information to the media. THE Wall Street Journal And The Information do they have other sources? What other media were in contact with Andrew Aude on Signal? The intensity of Apple leaks may decrease in the coming months.