In a surprising twist to the world of tech leaks, Apple is officially suing YouTuber Jon Prosser and his associate Michael Ramacciotti for what it calls a serious breach of confidentiality. At the center of the lawsuit is a leak of Apple’s next-generation mobile operating system — known as iOS 26, and the much-hyped Liquid Glass design. The case has grabbed widespread attention, not just for what was leaked but for how it allegedly happened.
Let’s break it all down in simple terms so everyone can understand what went wrong, what’s at stake, and what this means for future tech leaks.
What Was the Leak?
Back in January, YouTuber Jon Prosser, who runs the popular tech news channel Front Page Tech, released what he called “your very first look at iOS 19.” A few months later, Apple would officially rename it to iOS 26. In the video, Prosser claimed he couldn’t show the actual footage but provided a mock-up of a redesigned Camera app, which matched closely with Apple’s official design, revealed later at WWDC in June.
This design was part of Apple’s all-new Liquid Glass interface, a major visual update coming to iPhones. It wasn’t just a small cosmetic change — it was an entire system redesign, making iOS smoother, sleeker, and more futuristic.
Prosser would go on to publish more videos in April, one even titled "the biggest iOS leak ever", sharing more details about the upcoming system.
Why Is Apple Suing?
Leaking information isn’t new in the tech world. Sites and creators have been doing it for years. So why did Apple take legal action this time?
According to Apple’s lawsuit, it wasn’t just about the leak — it was about how the information was obtained.
Apple alleges that Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti worked together to get access to a development iPhone owned by an Apple employee named Ethan Lipnik. This iPhone had early, unreleased versions of iOS 26 and the Liquid Glass interface.
Apple claims that Ramacciotti, a friend of Lipnik, gained access to the phone while Lipnik wasn’t home. He then used FaceTime to call Prosser and show him the confidential software live. Apple believes this was a planned act meant to make money off leaked content on YouTube through ad revenue.
In short, Apple isn’t just mad that someone shared their secrets — they’re accusing the duo of illegally accessing private property.
Evidence in Apple’s Lawsuit
Apple has included strong claims in its court filing:
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A voice message sent by Ramacciotti to Lipnik, where he reportedly admits to showing the phone to Prosser.
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An anonymous email that identified Lipnik as the original source and mentioned others involved.
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Apple says Lipnik was fired for breaking company rules and not reporting previous security violations.
You can read the full complaint on Scribd via MacRumors.
What Jon Prosser Says
Prosser didn’t stay silent. He posted on social media saying Apple’s version of events is not what happened.
“I did not ‘plot’ to access anyone’s phone. I did not have any passwords. I was unaware of how the information was obtained.”
He even posted a screenshot from a messaging app that appears to show he received information unsolicited, meaning he didn’t ask for or plan the leak.
Still, the lawsuit goes forward, and Apple seems determined to make an example out of this situation.
Why This Lawsuit Matters
This is more than just a court case between a big company and a YouTuber. Here’s why it’s important:
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Privacy & Trade Secrets: Apple, like many companies, spends millions to keep its upcoming products secret. This helps them surprise customers and stay ahead of rivals. Leaks hurt that.
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YouTubers in Legal Trouble: Most tech creators work off rumors or anonymous tips. This case suggests Apple is willing to go to court if they believe a creator broke the law to get that information.
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Impact on Future Leaks: If Apple wins, other leakers might think twice. This could make it harder for fans to get early previews, but it also protects innovation and intellectual property.
What Is Liquid Glass?
Liquid Glass is Apple’s new design system for iOS. It’s sleek, fluid, and uses transparency and animations in a whole new way. Think of it like a modern, polished version of the original iOS aesthetic — but upgraded for 2025 and beyond.
The official launch of iOS 26 and Liquid Glass happened at Apple’s WWDC in June, where developers got their first real hands-on experience with the new software.
Could This Change Tech YouTube?
Many creators rely on leaks to drive views, especially around Apple events. But this lawsuit could lead to stricter boundaries and caution among YouTubers.
In fact, Apple says that even though iOS 26 is now public, the development phone that was accessed still contains unannounced features. That means the company believes there is ongoing risk, which justifies the legal action.
Final Thoughts
The iOS 26 Liquid Glass leak might have given fans an exciting early look, but it also crossed legal and ethical lines — at least according to Apple. Whether Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti are guilty as claimed is now up to the courts.
One thing is clear: Apple is sending a message. Even if you’re a popular content creator, if you leak something in a way they believe is unlawful, they’ll come after you.
For now, we wait to see how this plays out. But for fans and creators alike, the world of Apple leaks may never be the same again.