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Xiaolang Zhang, a former engineer at Apple, has been sentenced to prison after admitting guilt to charges of stealing trade secrets related to the company’s self-driving car project. Zhang’s actions were brought to light when he left Apple and joined a Chinese auto company, triggering suspicion due to his increased network activity before his departure.
The Case Against Zhang
Court documents revealed that Zhang, who previously worked on Apple’s Project Titan, the self-driving car initiative, departed from his role as an engineer to join Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology (XPeng) in 2018. Apple became alarmed when it discovered that Zhang had downloaded a range of confidential files, including engineering schematics and semiconductor manuals, which he intended to sell to Chinese auto companies.
Legal Proceedings
Initially pleading not guilty, Zhang eventually reached a plea deal with the US government, admitting to all charges in August 2022. His plea could have resulted in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a hefty fine. However, Zhang’s plea agreement led to a reduced sentence.
Project Titan and Apple’s Response
Apple’s Project Titan, aimed at developing autonomous vehicles, has encountered various challenges and setbacks over the years. Although rumors initially suggested a release date of 2021, the project has faced delays and changes in direction. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, has remained tight-lipped about the project’s details, emphasizing the company’s exploration of numerous ideas, many of which may never materialize.
Zhang’s Sentence
Following his guilty plea, Zhang has been sentenced to 120 days in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a substantial fine. His prison term is scheduled to commence on June 24, 2024, according to the Northern District of California court ruling.
Despite repeated attempts to obtain comments from Apple regarding the case, the company has remained silent on the matter.
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