Apple Accused of Stealing Video App Tech

Reincubate Ltd. initiated a lawsuit against Apple Inc. in a New Jersey federal court on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The core accusation is that Apple allegedly misappropriated patented technology from Reincubate's smartphone video app, Camo.

The lawsuit contends that Apple integrated Reincubate's patented features into its iOS operating system, specifically the "Continuity Camera" functionality introduced in 2022. Reincubate, based in London, claims this move was a deliberate effort to stifle competition and redirect user demand toward Apple's proprietary offerings.

This legal action also charges Apple with antitrust violations, alleging the company illegally monopolizes the U.S. smartphone software market. Reincubate states that Apple's practices "lock" users into its dominant mobile operating system, hindering their ability to switch to competing platforms. This echoes similar antitrust claims previously filed against Apple by the U.S. government.

Reincubate CEO Aidan Fitzpatrick described Apple's alleged conduct as "Sherlocking," a term Reincubate uses to characterize Apple's pattern of taking and eliminating innovative software developed outside its ecosystem. Fitzpatrick further alleged that Apple actively induced Reincubate to develop and share technical details of Camo for iOS before integrating its features.

Apple has refuted the claims, asserting that the camera features in question were developed internally and that it competes fairly while respecting intellectual property rights. The case, Reincubate Ltd v. Apple Inc, is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.