Apple sues YouTuber/leaker Jon Prosser over iOS 26 leaks

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Earlier this year, YouTuber Jon Prosser released several videos that gave early peeks at what was believed to be iOS 19, later officially announced as iOS 26 by Apple. 

In January, he showcased a new design for the Camera app with simpler controls for switching between photo and video. 

Then, in March, during his podcast, he showed off changes to the Messages app, including round navigation buttons and a keyboard with rounded corners.

In April, he revealed more about a major visual update, which Apple later called the “Liquid Glass” design. 

This included smoother, glass-like buttons and rounded tab bars at the bottom of certain apps. 

While not all of Prosser’s leaks matched the final version of iOS 26 exactly, much of it was very accurate.

Now, Apple is taking legal action. The company has filed a lawsuit against Prosser and another individual named Michael Ramacciotti, accusing them of leaking confidential information. (Via: MacRumors)

According to Apple, the leaks started with an internal iPhone used for testing that belonged to Ethan Lipnik, an Apple employee and friend of Ramacciotti. 

Apple claims that Prosser and Ramacciotti secretly accessed Lipnik’s iPhone by getting his passcode and tracking his location to find a time when he was away.

Apple says Ramacciotti used that opportunity to unlock the device and made a FaceTime call to Prosser, showing him iOS 26 in action. 

Prosser allegedly recorded that call and used the footage to make the videos he later published. 

The test iPhone reportedly contained even more confidential Apple material that hasn’t been made public yet.

Because of this, Apple fired Lipnik and filed the lawsuit to stop further leaks and seek financial damages. 

Apple only found out about the situation after receiving an anonymous tip. 

Prosser, meanwhile, responded online by denying Apple’s version of the story and saying he’s eager to speak with the company directly.

Do you think Apple is right to sue YouTubers over leaked content? Or should tech companies expect leaks as part of the industry and focus on better internal security instead? Tell us below in the comments, or reach us via our Twitter or Facebook.