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A new court document provides fresh insights into the legal dispute between Apple, YouTuber Jon Prosser, and Michael Ramacciotti. The documents reveal how Ramacciotti is responding to the allegations Apple has made in connection with leaked information about the visual redesign of "Liquid Glass." After several extensions, Ramacciotti's lawyer has now officially responded—and for the first time disclosed details of payments between Prosser and Ramacciotti.
Apple has been consistently cracking down on leaks concerning internal projects or unreleased products for years. The focus is particularly on individuals who disclose or exploit confidential information. The current case demonstrates the extent of such revelations – and how Apple is taking legal action against them. This time, the focus is on Jon Prosser, known for his YouTube leaks about Apple products, and Michael Ramacciotti, who, according to Apple, played a crucial role in gaining access to internal data.
Background: Apple's lawsuit against Jon Prosser
In July, Apple filed a lawsuit against Jon Prosser. The allegation: Prosser published two videos containing internal information about the visual redesign of Liquid Glass. This content allegedly originated from Apple's internal development environment. According to Apple, the recordings were made possible because Michael Ramacciotti gained access to a friend's development iPhone. This friend, Ethan Lipnik, worked at Apple.
Apple claims that Prosser promised Ramacciotti that he would "find a way to get paid" if Ramacciotti granted him access to the device. The goal was allegedly to obtain confidential information about Apple and profit from it.
While Ramacciotti obtained two extensions through the courts, Prosser let the deadline for his response pass. The court then granted Apple's request and issued a default judgment against Prosser. He later told The Verge that he had been in contact with Apple since the beginning of the proceedings, "regardless of what the court documents state.".
Ramacciotti's response to Apple's accusations
Following the granted extensions, Michael Ramacciotti's lawyer has now officially submitted a response to Apple's lawsuit. In it, Ramacciotti rejects or completely denies most of the allegations. While he admits to having accessed Lipnik's iPhone, he denies that this access was planned or that he collaborated with Prosser to obtain the data. The submitted statement reads:
The defendant admits to accessing Lipnik's Apple Development iPhone and having a FaceTime call with Prosser, during which Prosser asked him to demonstrate certain iOS features. However, he denies having planned or participated in any conspiracy or coordinated plan with Prosser.
The payment of 650 dollars
The court document shows that Jon Prosser transferred $650 to Michael Ramacciotti after the FaceTime call. According to Ramacciotti, however, this payment was not based on any prior agreement or promise. He emphasizes that there was no arrangement to be paid for information about Apple.
„"Prosser offered the defendant a payment of $650 at some point after the FaceTime call. The defendant did not initiate the communication with Prosser based on any promise from Prosser that he would pay him specifically for Apple information," the document states.
According to the defense, Ramacciotti also did not know that Prosser was recording the FaceTime call or would later publish the content shown in a video. Furthermore, it is emphasized that Ramacciotti did not fully grasp the sensitivity of the situation, since Lipnik, the Apple employee, had previously swiped through new iOS features on the development device with him.
Jon Prosser's distancing
Interestingly, Ramacciotti's defense repeatedly uses the phrase "default defendant Jon Prosser" in its response. This appears to be intended to establish a clear distance from Prosser, who, due to the default judgment, is in a significantly weaker legal position. This phrasing illustrates the strategy of portraying Ramacciotti as an independent individual who was not part of any agreement.
While Apple alleges in its lawsuit that Prosser actively attempted to obtain internal company information, Ramacciotti's defense focuses on the fact that there was no intentional breach of Apple's confidentiality policies. Ramacciotti is described as someone who neither understood the full extent of his actions nor could foresee the consequences.
The significance of the case for Apple
This case demonstrates how seriously Apple takes the protection of internal data. The company is known for its consistent action against any form of information leaks – especially when it comes to unreleased products or internal software projects.
The dispute with Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti underscores Apple's unwavering commitment to legal ambiguity when internal devices, software versions, or confidential functions are leaked. The fact that Apple obtained a default judgment against Prosser further demonstrates the company's determination to send a clear message.
Apple's uncompromising stance against leaks
The new court document sheds light on a case that demonstrates how complex and far-reaching Apple's fight against leaks has become. While Prosser has already had to accept a default judgment, Ramacciotti is attempting to defend himself legally and distance himself from Prosser. His account suggests that he did not knowingly act against Apple and that no agreement regarding payments existed.
For Apple, this case remains further proof that control over internal information is a top priority. Whether Ramacciotti's arguments will hold up in court is still uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the company will continue to take a hard line against anyone attempting to access or disclose confidential data. (Image: Shutterstock / ARMMY PICCA)
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