**Apple Moves Forward with Default Judgment Against Jon Prosser in Trade Secrets Lawsuit**
Apple is escalating its legal action against well-known technology leaker Jon Prosser, signaling its intention to seek a default judgment after Prosser failed to respond to a high-profile lawsuit. The case, which has drawn significant attention within the tech industry, centers on allegations that Prosser and another individual, Michael Ramacciotti, participated in a coordinated effort to steal and publicly disclose confidential Apple information related to the upcoming iOS 26 operating system.
**Background of the Lawsuit**
The dispute began in July when Apple filed a lawsuit against Jon Prosser and Michael Ramacciotti. Apple accused the pair of orchestrating a scheme to breach the security of a company development iPhone, thereby gaining unauthorized access to secret features planned for iOS 26, the next iteration of Apple's mobile operating system. According to the lawsuit, Prosser subsequently published videos showcasing these unreleased features, which Apple asserts were obtained through the theft of its trade secrets.
Apple's complaint is particularly significant given Prosser’s reputation. As a prominent technology commentator and leaker, Prosser has amassed a large following by revealing details about unreleased tech products. The company alleges that Prosser profited from the unauthorized disclosure of its confidential information, a claim that, if proven, could have serious legal ramifications.
**Prosser’s Response and Apple’s Legal Move**
Earlier this week, Prosser told The Verge that he had been “in active communications with Apple since the beginning stages of this case.” However, Apple disputes Prosser’s characterization of the situation. In a new court filing submitted on Thursday and reported by MacRumors, Apple states that while Prosser has “publicly acknowledged” the lawsuit, he “has not indicated whether he will file a response to it or, if so, by when.” This lack of formal response from Prosser has allowed the legal process to move forward without his participation.
Last week, a court clerk entered a default against Prosser. In legal terms, a default is recorded when a defendant does not respond to a lawsuit within the allotted timeframe, effectively allowing the case to proceed without their input. Building on this, Apple’s Thursday filing announced that the company “intends to file a default judgment seeking damages and an injunction against him.” If granted, a default judgment could result in Prosser being ordered to pay financial damages and restrained from further disseminating Apple’s confidential information.
Prosser has not responded to recent requests for comment from The Verge regarding these latest developments.
**Ramacciotti’s Admission and the Question of Conspiracy**
The lawsuit also involves Michael Ramacciotti, who played a different but related role in the events. According to statements included in Apple’s latest filing, Ramacciotti “admits to” providing Prosser with information about iOS 26. However, Ramacciotti asserts that there was “no underlying plan, conspiracy, or scheme” between himself and Prosser. He claims