Elon Musk has escalated tensions with Apple, accusing the tech giant of unfairly promoting OpenAI’s ChatGPT over rival apps on its App Store. In a series of public statements, Musk alleged that Apple’s ranking algorithms systemically disadvantage competitors, including his own AI startup, xAI Holdings, which developed the Grok chatbot. The dispute intensifies scrutiny of Big Tech’s control over app visibility and market fairness.
Musk asserted on his social media platform, X, that Apple’s practices effectively block non-OpenAI apps from reaching the top of download charts, calling it an “antitrust violation” and vowing legal action. “Apple is making it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to hit #1,” he wrote. His claims coincide with OpenAI’s ChatGPT holding the leading free app spot in the U.S. Apple Store, while Grok ranks fifth.
The clash marks a new chapter in Musk’s longstanding rivalry with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, whom he co-founded the company with in 2015 before departing over disagreements about its direction. Altman dismissed Musk’s allegations as hypocritical, referencing Musk’s management of X. “This is ironic, given claims about how Elon manipulates X for his own interests,” Altman responded, adding that OpenAI remains focused on product development rather than public disputes.
The controversy follows Apple’s June announcement at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) to deepen its partnership with OpenAI, integrating ChatGPT into upcoming iOS features. Critics argue such alliances risk stifling competition, a concern amplified by regulators globally reviewing app store monopolies. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act, for instance, already pressures Apple to loosen its grip on third-party app distribution.
Musk’s threat of litigation adds to his recent confrontations with high-profile entities, including a public spat with former U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this summer. Legal experts note that proving antitrust harm would require demonstrating deliberate suppression of rivals—a complex task given Apple’s opaque app-ranking criteria, which it claims prioritize user engagement and quality.
As AI applications increasingly dominate tech innovation, the outcome of this dispute could shape how platforms balance partnerships with competitive fairness. For now, Musk’s move signals growing friction between tech moguls and the gatekeepers of digital marketplaces—a battle with implications for developers and consumers alike.
