Elon Musk is threatening legal action against Apple, alleging “unequivocal antitrust violations” that favor OpenAI’s ChatGPT over his AI chatbot, Grok, developed by xAI.
In a new escalation of his ongoing conflict with Big Tech, Musk has specifically targeted Apple. On Monday night, he claimed that the company’s App Store policies disadvantage his AI chatbot while promoting competitors like ChatGPT. He stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action.”
While Musk did not provide details on his legal strategy or confirm if a lawsuit is underway, he initiated his public critique earlier that evening. He questioned why neither his platforms, ? nor Grok, were included in Apple’s “Must Have” section, despite ? being the top news app and Grok ranking fifth overall. He asked, “Are you playing politics? What gives?”
According to Gizmodo, ChatGPT is currently the top free app on the U.S. iOS App Store and the only AI chatbot featured in Apple’s “Must-Have Apps” section, which Musk views as evidence of bias. He further questioned Apple’s editorial choices, noting, “And why is ChatGPT literally in every list where you have editorial control?”
In June 2024, Apple and OpenAI announced a partnership to integrate ChatGPT across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, enhancing the chatbot’s visibility to millions of Apple users. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left three years later, has since become a vocal critic of the organization. His company, xAI, launched Grok in late 2023, positioning it as a bold alternative to established chatbots.
Musk’s accusations against Apple contribute to his ongoing list of AI-related disputes, including lawsuits and public disagreements with former associates.
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A New Antitrust Battleground
Musk’s threat could signal the beginning of a significant antitrust battle. Apple has faced scrutiny and lawsuits from developers like Epic Games, as well as regulatory challenges in the U.S. and Europe, over its control of the App Store, which critics argue amounts to an illegal monopoly.
Musk is leveraging these existing arguments for the AI sector, targeting Apple’s editorial control over app promotion. For a newcomer like xAI, being overlooked in favor of a competitor can be detrimental.
Musk contends that Apple’s support of ChatGPT indicates a potentially anti-competitive relationship with OpenAI. Apple has not yet responded to Gizmodo’s request for comment.
Our Take
This is classic Musk: using a strong-arm approach to amplify his grievances. The question now is whether Apple will engage or call his bluff.
SOURCE: GIZMODO
