Apple’s Legal Battle Intensifies: Jon Prosser’s Deposition Confirmed in iOS 26 Leak Case
In a significant development within Apple’s ongoing legal proceedings concerning the unauthorized disclosure of iOS 26 details, the tech giant has confirmed that it is coordinating a deposition with prominent tech commentator Jon Prosser. This move comes despite the court previously entering a default judgment against Prosser, indicating the case is progressing through the discovery phase.
Background of the Lawsuit
In July 2025, Apple initiated legal action against Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti, alleging the misappropriation of trade secrets and violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. The core of Apple’s complaint centers on Ramacciotti’s alleged unauthorized access to a development iPhone belonging to former Apple employee Ethan Lipnik. Apple contends that Ramacciotti utilized a FaceTime call to showcase unreleased features of iOS 26, notably the Liquid Glass redesign, to Prosser. Subsequently, Prosser is accused of disseminating this confidential information through his media channels.
Court Proceedings and Default Judgment
Court documents reveal a divergence in the responses of the defendants. Ramacciotti has reportedly cooperated with both Apple and the court. In contrast, Prosser failed to meet the stipulated deadline to respond to Apple’s complaint. Consequently, in October 2025, the court granted Apple’s request for a default judgment against Prosser, effectively stripping him of the right to formally contest the allegations.
Addressing the situation publicly, Prosser stated:
> Regardless of what is being reported, and regardless of what the court documents say, I have, in fact, been in active communications with Apple since the beginning stages of this case. The notion that I’m ignoring the case is incorrect. That’s all I am able to say.
Deposition and Discovery Phase
Despite the default judgment, recent joint status reports indicate that Apple has served Prosser with document and deposition subpoenas, which he has acknowledged. Efforts are currently underway to schedule his deposition. This phase is crucial as it aims to elucidate the extent of confidential information accessed by Ramacciotti and subsequently received or utilized by Prosser. The findings from this discovery process will be instrumental in guiding the court’s decisions regarding potential damages and remedies.
Apple’s Legal Objectives
Apple is pursuing a jury trial and seeks several forms of relief, including:
– A judgment in its favor.
– Injunctive relief to prevent further dissemination of its confidential information.
– Compensatory and punitive damages.
– Reimbursement of attorneys’ fees.
– Orders mandating the return or destruction of any proprietary materials in the defendants’ possession.
Implications and Next Steps
The case is now transitioning into a phase focused on assessing damages and enforcement. The court will evaluate the extent of the alleged leak and determine appropriate penalties, if any. This lawsuit underscores Apple’s commitment to safeguarding its intellectual property and serves as a cautionary tale about the legal ramifications of unauthorized disclosures within the tech industry.
