Earlier this year, YouTuber Jon Prosser released several videos showcasing what he claimed were re-created renderings of what was initially thought to be called iOS 19. These were eventually revealed by Apple as iOS 26 during the WWDC event in June.
In January, Prosser unveiled a redesign of the Camera app, featuring a simpler interface for switching between photo and video modes. This was followed by a March episode of his Genius Bar podcast, where he presented a redesigned Messages app with new rounded navigation buttons and a keyboard with rounded corners.
His final video in April offered a detailed look at what he termed the Liquid Glass redesign, which included rounder, glass-like interface elements and updated tab bars in specific Apple apps. While the redesigns didn’t perfectly match Apple’s final product for iOS 26, many components were notably accurate.
Apple took note of Prosser’s renders and filed a lawsuit against him and Michael Ramacciotti for allegedly misappropriating trade secrets. The lawsuit outlines events leading to the leaks, specifying that a friend of Ramacciotti, who worked at Apple, was in possession of a development iPhone.
According to Apple’s complaint, Prosser and Ramacciotti attempted to access the iPhone by acquiring the friend’s passcode and tracking his location. Prosser is said to have offered financial incentives to Ramacciotti for assisting in accessing the device.
Ramacciotti reportedly made a FaceTime call from the iPhone to Prosser, showcasing iOS 26, which Prosser recorded and later used to create his content. As a result, Apple is seeking an injunction to prevent further disclosure of its confidential information and is pursuing damages for the misappropriation.
The employee involved, Ethan Lipnik, has since been terminated for failing to protect the development device and not reporting the incident after it was discovered. In a recent update, Prosser disputed Apple’s account of the events, claiming he was unaware of any wrongdoing.
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