Apple has initiated legal action against YouTuber and tech leaker Jon Prosser over allegations concerning unauthorized disclosures of iOS 26. New court documents reveal payment details between Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti, the co-defendant in this case, which challenge Apple’s claims regarding the nature of their interactions.
According to the recently released court filings, Prosser offered Ramacciotti a payment of $650 following a FaceTime call, but there was no prior agreement for this transaction. This revelation directly contradicts Apple’s assertion that Prosser had promised Ramacciotti payment for assistance in accessing a Development iPhone, which was equipped with an early version of the software.
At the time of the incident, Ramacciotti was living with Ethan Lipnik, a former Apple employee who possessed the Development iPhone. Ramacciotti reportedly gained access to the device and subsequently shared its features with Prosser via a FaceTime call. Following this exchange, Prosser created mockups based on the information he received, which ultimately led to the lawsuit.
Details of the Legal Proceedings
The legal proceedings against both Prosser and Ramacciotti are unfolding at different paces. Ramacciotti has requested extensions to respond to Apple’s complaint, while Prosser has missed the deadline for his response, prompting Apple to seek a default judgment against him. The reasons for Prosser’s missed deadline remain unclear, though he has indicated that he has been in “active communications” with Apple since the onset of the case.
Apple’s stance on leaks is well-documented; the company has historically taken a firm approach against unauthorized disclosures. This incident draws parallels to the situation involving Gizmodo, which faced repercussions after obtaining a prototype of the iPhone 4.
As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how the newly revealed payment details will influence the outcome. The ongoing legal battle highlights the tensions between tech companies and individuals who share information about unreleased products.
