Ex-Apple Engineer Admits Mistake as Lawsuit Is Dropped

Apple has dismissed its lawsuit against Andrew Aude, a former iOS software engineer accused of leaking confidential product details. The leaks reportedly included information about Apple Vision Pro, the Journal app, and other unreleased projects. Although Apple ended the legal battle, Aude admitted to making a “profound and expensive mistake.”

A Public Admission of Guilt

Aude issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), admitting he leaked sensitive details. He described the mistake as career-ending and acknowledged the damage it caused to his professional relationships.

Although Apple did not disclose settlement terms, some speculate that Aude’s public statement was a required part of the agreement.

The Allegations and Investigation

Apple accused Aude of sharing thousands of encrypted messages with a journalist from The Information and providing details to The Wall Street Journal. The company claimed he violated confidentiality agreements.

Apple’s internal investigation found that Aude deleted messages and wiped his iPhone before speaking with the legal team. His employment was terminated in late 2023.

Apple’s Stance on Leaks

Apple is known for strict confidentiality policies and aggressively pursues leaks. The company has taken legal action against both employees and external sources to prevent unauthorized disclosures.

By settling this lawsuit, Apple reinforces its commitment to secrecy without prolonging a court battle. Aude’s admission serves as a warning to other employees about the risks of leaking corporate secrets.

As Apple continues to protect its product announcements, this case highlights the serious consequences of violating company trust.