Technology
Halide Co-Founder Sues Former Partner Over Source Code Use at Apple
Ben Sandofsky, co-founder of Lux Optics, has filed suit in California Superior Court against Sebastiaan de With. The suit alleges de With improperly used company funds and took source code to Apple after his termination from Lux.
Sebastiaan de With, co-founder of Lux Optics (developer of the Halide iPhone application), joined Apple in late January. Halide, known for its professional-level controls, gained a devoted following among iPhone users. Apple reportedly attempted to acquire the developer last summer, but instead hired de With directly. Sandofsky's lawsuit alleges that de With was terminated in December 2025 for financial misconduct. According to The Information, the suit claims de With used over $150,000 in Lux corporate funds for personal expenses. The suit also claims de With took Lux source code and confidential material with him.
Key Facts
- Ben Sandofsky filed a lawsuit against Sebastiaan de With in California Superior Court.
- The lawsuit alleges financial misconduct and misappropriation of source code.
- De With was allegedly terminated from Lux Optics in December 2025.
- The suit claims de With improperly used over $150,000 CAD in corporate funds.
- The suit claims de With took Lux source code when he departed.
- De With is now employed by Apple.
- An attorney for de With denied the claims.