Apple vs Oppo lawsuit: Ex-employee accused of leaking Apple Watch tech

Apple has initiated a lawsuit against a former employee, Chen Shi, who transitioned to the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo. The tech giant alleges that Shi misappropriated confidential trade secrets related to the Apple Watch and shared them with his new employer. According to the lawsuit, Shi, who worked as a sensor system architect, accessed sensitive documents concerning Apple’s health sensing technologies shortly before his departure from Cupertino in June. Apple claims that he engaged in numerous one-on-one meetings with the Apple Watch technical team under the pretense of continuing his employment, all while preparing to assist Oppo in creating a rival wearable device. The complaint details that just three days prior to his exit, Shi downloaded 63 confidential documents from a protected folder, transferring them to a USB drive the day before leaving. Moreover, Apple asserts that he conducted internet searches regarding how to erase a MacBook and whether others could detect if he had accessed a shared file, indicating a deliberate attempt to cover his tracks. Apple further alleges that Oppo was aware of Shi’s actions and even encouraged them. In a text message dated June 4, 2025, Shi reportedly informed Zijing Zeng, Oppo’s Vice-President of Health, about his extensive meetings with Apple executives aimed at gathering insider information. He indicated his efforts to review internal materials and promised to share the findings later. In his capacity as a sensor system architect, Shi was pivotal in the development of advanced health sensor technologies, handling critical roadmaps, documents, and specifications related to ECG sensor technology. Following his departure, Shi has taken on a leadership role at Oppo, where he now heads a team focused on sensing technology. Notably, Shi cited 'personal and family reasons' in his resignation letter from Apple.