iOS-26-Leak: Defendant Claims to be Just a Fanboy

In the legal dispute between Apple and well-known YouTuber and leaker Jon Prosser, the initial reactions from the defendants are now available. Apple's alleged accomplice and co-defendant Michael Ramacciotti, through his lawyer, informed the court that he had been an Apple fanboy his entire life and that money played no role in the action that revealed the new design of iOS 26. Prosser, on the other hand, has conflicting statements: while Apple wants to obtain a default judgment against him in court because he did not respond, Prosser claimed in media reports that he is in contact with Apple.

In this peculiar case, Apple accuses Prosser and Ramacciotti of illegally accessing an Apple employee's company iPhone. An early test version of iOS 26 was installed on this device, giving the two insight into the planned Liquid Glass redesign. The affected employee was a friend of Ramacciotti's. Prosser and Ramacciotti allegedly hatched a plan to obtain the employee's passcode and open his iPhone in his absence. Ramacciotti allegedly started a FaceTime call to Prosser, which Prosser recorded. Based on the information obtained, Prosser in turn reported on YouTube and by publishing images.

Ramacciotti: "Not a Professional Leaker"

Apple accuses the two of violating trade secrets and theft. Among other things, Prosser had publicly revealed the changed appearance of the camera app and other design elements in iOS 26 in April. Apple's official presentation took place in June.

Ramacciotti's current claim that he is not a professional leaker could be an attempt to prevent the court from classifying the action as a commercial offense. Ramacciotti is also reportedly in talks with Apple to reach an out-of-court settlement. The iPhone manufacturer has recently expressed concern that Ramacciotti might delete important evidence. The company includes thousands of text messages exchanged between him and Prosser, among others.

Conflicting Statements Regarding Prosser

It is unclear what the status of the proceedings is for Prosser, who repeatedly draws attention with scandalous actions and videos. Through official channels, Apple obtained a default judgment from the court because Prosser failed to respond to Apple's lawsuit within the deadline. "The Verge" however, Prosser claimed he was in talks with Apple but could not disclose anything about their content.

(mki)