Nearly a year ago, Apple filed a lawsuit against YouTubers Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti for alleged theft of the company’s trade secrets. Apple alleged that the duo coordinated to break into the iPhone development of former Apple software engineer Ethan Lipnik, in order to access and profit from details about “iOS 19”, which ended up being called iOS 26.
Prosser is the host of the popular YouTube channel Front Page Tech and Ramacciotti was his acquaintance. Last year, Prosser shared YouTube videos featuring leaked details about “iOS 19,” months before Apple unveiled the update. Later, an anonymous tipster informed Apple via email that the information came from Lipnik’s iPhone, leading the company to investigate. Apple eventually fired Lipnik and sued Prosser and Ramacciotti.
Prosser formally responded to the lawsuit today, according to a court document obtained by Woozad. Prosser admitted to participating in a FaceTime video call with Ramacciotti, during which Prosser saw some “iOS 19” features and apps running on the development iPhone. However, he denied that the information he viewed contained trade secrets and he denied knowing that the development iPhone was owned by Lipnik.
Prosser denied planning or participating in any plot or coordinated scheme with Ramacciotti to harm Apple.
Prosser’s lawyer said that Ramacciotti’s act of displaying iOS 19 features on the FaceTime call was not induced by Prosser and, as such, Ramacciotti is “fully responsible” for disclosing Apple’s alleged trade secrets, if any.
Ramacciotti is responsible for all damages caused to Prosser, according to Prosser’s response.
Prosser denied being in possession of any other confidential information from Apple in this matter that has not already been disclosed to Apple.
The case is in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Prosser requested a jury trial, if appropriate.
