A former Apple engineer has pleaded guilty to stealing hardware and schematics for the company’s autonomous car project.

IOT Tech World reports Xiaolang Zhang was arrested at San Jose International Airport back in 2018 while attempting to catch a last-minute flight to China. He was accused of stealing circuit boards and a Linux server from Apple’s secret development labs and it was also alleged he transferred a 25-page document to his wife’s laptop that included technical manuals and engineering schematics of a circuit board for the prototype self-driving vehicle.

The site has spotted a court document filed this week, which shows Zhang has changed his plea to guilty.

Zhang’s sentencing will take place on 14 November 2022. He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Apple reportedly became suspicious of Zhang when he handed in his resignation following paternity leave and a trip to China.

(Picture – Apple)