Ben Sandofsky, co-founder of Lux Optics, has filed a lawsuit against former partner Sebastiaan de With in California Superior Court. The suit claims de With was fired in December 2025 for financial misconduct, then took Halide’s source code and confidential materials to Apple after joining the tech giant in January 2026.
Halide is a cult-favorite iPhone photography app known for its pro-level controls. Apple reportedly tried to acquire Lux Optics last summer, but talks fell through. Instead, Apple hired de With directly. The lawsuit, as reported by The Information, accuses de With of using over $150,000 in Lux corporate funds for personal expenses and taking proprietary code and materials with him to Apple.
Why this matters for developers and users
This legal fight could impact both Halide’s future and how Apple approaches third-party app talent. For developers, it’s a stark reminder: protect your codebase and IP, especially when founders split. If Sandofsky’s claims hold, Halide’s code could be at risk of being absorbed into Apple’s own camera tech, potentially affecting future updates or even the app’s existence on iOS.
For users, the drama could disrupt Halide’s updates or support. If the court finds that code was improperly taken, there could be takedowns or forced changes. Apple has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, but its interest in Halide’s tech is clear, given the failed acquisition attempt and subsequent hiring of de With.
Allegations and responses
The lawsuit alleges de With spent company funds on personal expenses and took confidential materials. An attorney for de With denied the allegations, stating the attempt to involve Apple is an effort to “create leverage and attract attention”. No criminal charges have been filed, and the case is civil at this stage.
Speculation: If Apple did gain access to Halide’s code, it could accelerate improvements in the iPhone’s default camera app. However, no evidence has surfaced publicly that Apple is using any disputed material.
The bottom line
- Halide’s future updates and support could be disrupted by this lawsuit.
- Developers should take note: founder disputes can threaten both IP and app longevity.
- No evidence yet that Apple used any disputed code, but the case puts a spotlight on how big tech courts indie talent.