Apple has filed a lawsuit against well-known tech leaker and content creator Jon Prosser, accusing him of planning to gain unauthorized access to a development version of iOS 26 through a third party.
According to court documents, Apple claims Prosser enlisted Michael Ramacciotti to obtain confidential information by accessing a development iPhone used by Apple software engineer Ethan Lipnik. Ramacciotti allegedly used location tracking to determine when Lipnik would be away from home, accessed the iPhone, and shared a live video call with Prosser, who recorded the session.
Apple says Prosser then used this footage to create video content and design renders for unannounced iOS 26 features. In return, Ramacciotti was allegedly promised either money or a future job opportunity.
Apple reportedly discovered the breach in April 2025 via an anonymous email. The sender claimed to have seen Prosser’s video and recognized Lipnik’s apartment. Apple also cites a voice memo from Ramacciotti apologizing to Lipnik and implicating Prosser as the one who directed the scheme. Lipnik, despite not sharing the material himself, was fired for failing to adequately secure sensitive information.
Prosser published several videos revealing iOS 26 features, which at the time were believed to be for iOS 19, across his YouTube platforms, including Front Page Tech and the Genius Bar Podcast. These included previews of a redesigned Camera app in January, an updated Messages interface in March, and Apple’s new Liquid Glass design language in April.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Prosser denied Apple’s version of events, stating, “That is not how the situation played out on my end.” He claimed he did not know how the information had been obtained and that he had no involvement in acquiring passwords or accessing any device himself.
Apple is now seeking damages and a court order to prevent Prosser from using or disclosing any future trade secrets. Although iOS 26 is now public, Apple argues that unreleased features from the development phone remain at risk of exposure.