A legal battle between the co-founders of popular iPhone camera app Halide has pulled Apple into the spotlight, raising questions about intellectual property and talent poaching in the tech industry.

Lux Optics co-founder Ben Sandofsky has filed a lawsuit in California against fellow co-founder Sebastiaan de With, alleging financial misconduct and the unauthorised transfer of company materials following de With’s move to Apple earlier this year.

Halide, developed by Lux Optics, is regarded as one of the most advanced third-party camera apps on iOS, offering professional-grade controls that go beyond Apple’s native Camera app.

According to the complaint, de With was dismissed from Lux in December 2025 after allegedly misusing more than US$150,000 (A$230,000) in company funds for personal expenses.

The lawsuit also claims he took confidential materials, including source code and future product information, when he joined Apple’s design team in January.

De With has denied all allegations through his legal representatives, who describe the claims as “retaliatory” and insist no Lux intellectual property was transferred to Apple.

His legal team also suggested references to Apple in the lawsuit are designed to generate attention and increase leverage.

Apple is not named as a defendant and has not been accused of wrongdoing.

The dispute sheds new light on Apple’s previously undisclosed attempt to acquire Lux Optics in 2025. The iPhone maker had reportedly been exploring ways to bolster its camera software capabilities, particularly ahead of future flagship devices, before talks collapsed.

Instead, Apple hired de With directly, a move initially viewed as a strategic talent acquisition. But the lawsuit complicates that narrative and could have implications for how Apple integrates advanced camera features into upcoming iPhones.

The court case is ongoing.