Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Apple filed a federal civil lawsuit on July 17, 2025, against YouTuber Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti, alleging that they helped obtain and disclose unreleased iOS software from an Apple development iPhone. Prosser denies the central allegations, although his July 2, 2026 court filing acknowledges that he joined a FaceTime call where Ramacciotti showed him iOS features. The case remains active in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The short version
- Apple’s complaint alleges that Ramacciotti accessed an Apple development iPhone belonging to employee Ethan Lipnik and showed its contents to Prosser.
- Apple says Prosser used information from that interaction in leak videos about software then expected to be called iOS 19. Apple later announced the system as iOS 26.
- The complaint asserts claims under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act and the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
- Prosser initially failed to respond, and a default was entered against him in October 2025. The court set it aside on June 22, 2026.
- Prosser filed an answer on July 2, 2026, denying that he planned or joined a scheme, accessed the phone, or stole Apple trade secrets.
The complaint is Apple’s account of events, not a finding by the court. Prosser’s answer is his formal response, not a judicial determination that his version is correct.
What Apple alleges happened
According to Apple’s complaint, Ethan Lipnik possessed an Apple-owned development iPhone containing confidential, unreleased software. Lipnik is not a defendant. Apple says it terminated his employment for violating policies governing confidential information and development devices.
Apple alleges that Michael Ramacciotti, described as Lipnik’s friend, had access to Lipnik’s home and knew or obtained the phone’s passcode. The complaint says Ramacciotti used location information to determine when the phone would be unattended, unlocked it, and showed its contents to Prosser during a video call.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Apple further alleges that Prosser used what he saw to prepare and publish videos, and that the parties discussed compensation or a future job opportunity. Apple says an audio message from Ramacciotti to Lipnik, together with the company’s investigation, revealed key details of the alleged access.
Those allegations describe Apple’s theory of coordinated conduct. The available filings do not establish that Lipnik intentionally participated in a leak, and they do not prove that Prosser directed any access.
Who Ethan Lipnik is—and why his role matters
Lipnik matters because Apple identifies his development phone as the source of the alleged unauthorized access. He is not being sued in this case. Apple’s complaint says the company disciplined and terminated him for policy violations, but that fact alone does not establish that he knowingly supplied information to Prosser or Ramacciotti.
Rank #2
- 6.9" LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1320x2868px at 460ppi, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM), 4685mAh Battery
- 1TB, 8GB RAM, Apple A18 Pro (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.05 GHz + 4x2.42 GHz), Apple GPU 6-core, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.3
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 12MP, f/2.8 (periscope telephoto) 5x optical zoom + 48MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide), TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth), Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9 (wide)
- 2G: 850/900/1800/1900, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79/258/260/261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
What Prosser published
Public reporting describes a January 17, 2025 Front Page Tech video presenting an early look at what was then expected to be iOS 19, followed by additional coverage and an April 2025 video that Prosser called “the biggest iOS leak ever.” Prosser said he could not show the original footage and used mock-ups or recreations instead.
Reporting by Ars Technica and WIRED found that some broad design ideas resembled Apple’s later Liquid Glass presentation. The match was not exact: some visual details in the videos differed from Apple’s final announcement. Similarity to the released design does not, by itself, establish how the information was obtained.
What Prosser admits and denies
In his answer filed July 2, 2026, Prosser admits that he participated in a FaceTime call during which Ramacciotti showed him certain iOS features on the development iPhone. He denies accessing the phone himself.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
| Apple’s complaint | Prosser’s answer |
|---|---|
| Prosser allegedly directed or participated in a coordinated scheme. | Prosser denies planning or participating in a conspiracy. |
| Ramacciotti allegedly accessed Lipnik’s phone without authorization. | Prosser denies knowing how or when Ramacciotti obtained the information. |
| Prosser allegedly offered compensation or a future job opportunity. | Prosser denies the relevant allegations. |
| The information was Apple’s protected trade-secret material. | Prosser denies stealing trade secrets and contests Apple’s characterization. |
| Apple claims damages and injunctive relief. | Prosser denies causing the alleged harm and demands a jury trial. |
That distinction is central: Prosser acknowledges seeing features, while disputing that he knew the access was unauthorized, encouraged it, or participated in obtaining the device’s contents.
What Apple sued Prosser for
Trade-secret misappropriation
Apple invokes the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1836. In general terms, Apple would need to show that the information qualified as a trade secret, that it took reasonable steps to protect it, and that the defendants acquired, used, or disclosed it through improper means or with the legally required knowledge. Damages and injunctions can depend on what the evidence ultimately proves.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Unauthorized computer access
The complaint also cites the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1030. Apple’s theory is tied to alleged unauthorized access to the development device and use of information obtained from it. The lawsuit is civil; the complaint does not charge Prosser with a criminal offense.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Requested remedies
Apple asks for monetary damages, punitive or exemplary damages where available, injunctions, return or destruction of confidential materials, and legal fees. These are requests in a pleading, not remedies already awarded by the court.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why publishing a leak is not automatically the same as stealing it
The legal questions are narrower than whether Prosser reported confidential information. A court may have to distinguish among:
- Whether Prosser received information from Ramacciotti.
- Whether he knew, or had reason to know, that it was improperly obtained.
- Whether he encouraged, directed, or otherwise participated in obtaining it.
- Whether his videos used or disclosed protected information.
- Whether the information met the legal definition of a trade secret and whether Apple can prove compensable harm.
A person can disclose information without personally entering a device. Conversely, seeing information on a call does not by itself establish knowledge of an unauthorized access method. Those are factual and legal issues for the litigation.
Best Value
- 6.7inch Super Retina XDR display. ProMotion technology. Always-On display. Titanium with textured matte glass back. Action button
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A17 Pro chip with 6-core GPU
- Pro camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide| Telephoto. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. Up to 10x optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 29 hours video playback. USB-C, Supports USB 3 for up to 20x faster transfers. Face ID
Why Prosser’s default mattered
Prosser initially did not respond to the lawsuit, and a default was entered on October 17, 2025. A default can allow a plaintiff to seek relief when a defendant fails to defend, but it is not the same as a trial verdict on every factual allegation.
After Prosser retained counsel and agreed to provide discovery and sit for a deposition, Apple agreed to let him contest the case. Judge James Donato set aside the default on June 22, 2026. Prosser then filed his answer and affirmative defenses on July 2, 2026.
Procedural timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 17, 2025 | Prosser publishes an early video about software then widely expected to be called iOS 19. |
| April 2025 | Prosser publishes a further video describing the material as his biggest iOS leak. |
| July 17, 2025 | Apple files Apple Inc. v. Michael Ramacciotti and Jon Prosser in the Northern District of California. |
| October 17, 2025 | Default is entered against Prosser after he initially fails to respond. |
| June 22, 2026 | Judge Donato sets aside the default. |
| July 2, 2026 | Prosser files his answer and affirmative defenses, Document 36. |
| August 18, 2026 | The latest verified status covered here: the civil case remains active. |
Where the case stands now
The case is Apple Inc. v. Michael Ramacciotti and Jon Prosser, No. 3:25-cv-06043-JD, before Judge James Donato in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The latest located filing is Prosser’s July 2, 2026 answer, available through 9to5Mac’s copy of Document 36 and a duplicate at MacRumors.
The available materials do not establish a trial, dismissal, settlement, or final judgment. No court finding in those materials says that Apple’s allegations are true, that Prosser is liable, or that the dispute is over.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
What may happen next
With the default set aside and an answer on file, the case can proceed through ordinary civil litigation. The parties may exchange documents and other evidence, take depositions—including Prosser’s agreed deposition—and litigate motions about the claims and defenses. They could settle, or the case could proceed to trial if it survives dispositive motions. The sources available here do not provide a later schedule or predict an outcome.
Why the iOS name changed
The software was described in early 2025 coverage as iOS 19. Apple later adopted a year-based naming system and announced the product as iOS 26. The naming change does not alter the dispute: the lawsuit concerns alleged access to and disclosure of unreleased Apple software before its public announcement.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
