OpenAI just lost the AI wearables Race
Also, is AI disrupting older workers? OpenAI's leadership, management and product execution woes continue to bleed confidence for potential customers, general public.
👋 Hey there, I’m Mike. Each week I share AI articles at the intersection of tech, business, society and the future. If you want to support the channel or gain full-access to my work, go here. Read Archives | See Substack Notes | Visit our community Chat | Visit Homepage. I’ve been doing this for five years and before ChatGPT came along.
How will AI become more accessible? Are older workers who are laid off in a tough spot due to AI? I didn’t think I’d have to write about OpenAI again. But some events are like the echoes of history.
Is AI increasing Ageism in the workplace? 🧐
At a time when there’s going to be a Physical AI and AI wearables race in the consumer AI economy kicking off in 2027, OpenAI’s plans to even compete in the AI device race might be under serious threat, with increased scrutiny and even legal delays. The weekend news is an Apple lawsuit which looks very damaging to OpenAI’s already badly eroded brand and ability to secure meaningful partnerships and business relationships. I’m not sure what kind of Enterprise customer would want to do business with them at this point in 2026. But how about ChatGPT users?
OpenAI’s last 24 hours: (Saturday 11th, of July)
> Top Exec unexpectedly departs (claims health)
> Shuts down browser tool after 9 months (Atlas, another failed product)
> Sued for trade theft by Apple
> Caught selling product to China against sanctions and lastly:
>OpenAI's head of safety systems, Johannes Heidecke, is leaving the company.
The complaint accuses OpenAI of orchestrating a broad effort to systematically acquire and exploit Apple's confidential information and trade secrets is very serious. The evidence looks daming.
How do you even recover from this? I expect Microsoft to also bring a lawsuit to them in the coming months in relation to their betrayal in favor of Amazon that was against Microsoft’s terms.
Apple is seeking (Ed Ludlow explains):
A jury trial.
An order requiring OpenAI to stop the alleged misuse of Apple's trade secrets.
Destruction of any Apple proprietary materials in OpenAI's possession.
Redesign of upcoming OpenAI hardware products so they do not incorporate Apple's technology.
