Apple’s Legal Battle with Jon Prosser Intensifies Amid Ongoing Leaks
In July 2025, Apple initiated legal proceedings against YouTuber Jon Prosser, accusing him of misappropriating trade secrets by leaking design details of the then-unreleased iOS 26. Despite a default ruling in Apple’s favor due to Prosser’s initial lack of response, the case has progressed to a jury trial, with Prosser now facing deposition.
Background of the Case
The controversy began in April 2025 when Prosser showcased alleged designs of iOS 26, known at the time as iOS 19, on his YouTube channel. To protect his source, he used artist renderings instead of actual screenshots. Apple quickly identified the source of the leak, leading to the lawsuit against Prosser and his associate, Michael Ramacciotti. The company alleges that Ramacciotti accessed a development iPhone belonging to his friend and Apple employee, Ethan Lipnik, without authorization. Ramacciotti reportedly obtained the device’s password and shared its operating system with Prosser via FaceTime. Lipnik was subsequently terminated for failing to secure the device as per company policy. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/18/apple-sues-jon-prosser-over-ios-26-leaks?utm_source=openai))
Legal Developments
In October 2025, Apple claimed that Prosser missed a court deadline, leading the court to proceed without his response. Prosser refuted this, stating he had been in active communication with Apple since the case’s inception. Despite his claims, the court granted Apple’s request to continue the case in Prosser’s absence. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/20/apples-leaker-lawsuit-marches-on-after-jon-prosser-misses-deadlines?utm_source=openai))
As the lawsuit progressed, Apple sought an injunction to prevent Prosser from disclosing any more confidential information. The company also requested damages and reimbursement for attorney fees. In February 2026, Apple served Prosser with document and deposition subpoenas to determine the extent of the confidential information he obtained and shared. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/20/leakers-legal-troubles-havent-ended-as-he-makes-more-videos?utm_source=openai))
Co-Defendant’s Position
Ramacciotti has been more cooperative, providing Apple with computers and archives for forensic review. He was deposed in December 2025. In his court filing, Ramacciotti admitted to accessing the development iPhone and showing Prosser some pre-release iOS 26 features over FaceTime. However, he denied conspiring with Prosser to steal Apple’s trade secrets and claimed that a $650 payment he received from Prosser was unrelated to their interactions. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/10/30/apple-ios-26-leakers-court-filing-rolls-jon-prosser-under-the-bus?utm_source=openai))
Current Status and Implications
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Prosser continues to produce videos about Apple rumors. The case highlights the challenges tech companies face in protecting their intellectual property and the potential legal consequences for individuals who leak confidential information. A second case update is scheduled for April 13, 2026, which may provide further clarity on the proceedings. ([appleinsider.com](https://appleinsider.com/articles/26/02/20/leakers-legal-troubles-havent-ended-as-he-makes-more-videos?utm_source=openai))
