Apple has officially dismissed its lawsuit against former employee Andrew Aude, whom the company accused of leaking confidential information about its Journal app and Vision Pro headset. As first reported by 9to5Mac, Aude publicly apologized on X, acknowledging that leaking sensitive details was a mistake. In his statement, he expressed regret for his actions and apologized to his former colleagues who worked hard to maintain Apple’s culture of secrecy.
Allegations Against Aude
Apple initially filed the lawsuit in March 2024, claiming that Aude disclosed details about more than six different Apple policies and products. These included confidential information on the company’s spatial computing efforts, corporate headcounts, and an unannounced app. Around the same time, Aude allegedly communicated with a reporter from The Wall Street Journal, which later published a report about Apple’s Journal app before its official announcement.
The legal dispute was resolved on February 6, 2025, when a California Superior Court filing confirmed that Aude had reached a settlement with Apple. While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, Apple has decided to withdraw the lawsuit. On the same day, Aude posted a statement on X, reiterating his regret and acknowledging the serious consequences of his actions.
Career and Reputation Impact
In his statement, Aude revealed the significant damage the leaks had on his career. He admitted that sharing internal company information led to the loss of hundreds of professional relationships and severely impacted his future as a software engineer. He noted that rebuilding his career would be a challenging task, and he deeply regretted his decisions.
Aude’s case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of leaking corporate information. His experience highlights the professional and ethical consequences of breaching confidentiality agreements, especially in a company known for its secrecy like Apple. By publicly apologizing, Aude acknowledged his misjudgment and reinforced the importance of trust and discretion in the tech industry.