Elon Musk has publicly accused Apple of anticompetitive behavior, claiming the App Store unfairly prioritizes OpenAI’s ChatGPT over his own AI apps, X and Grok, effectively blocking competitors from reaching the top. Apple swiftly responded, rejecting the claims and emphasizing that its App Store is “designed to be fair and free of bias.”
Key Highlights of the Dispute
- Musk’s Claims
Musk alleged that despite X topping the News chart and Grok receiving updates—including making Grok 4 free—it’s nearly impossible for non-OpenAI apps to hit #1. He threatened “immediate legal action,” framing the issue as an antitrust violation. - Apple’s Rebuttal
Apple’s spokesperson defended the platform’s neutrality, explaining that App Store rankings rely on a combination of charts, algorithms, and expert-curated lists using “objective criteria.” The company also emphasized its commitment to “safe discovery” for users and fair exposure for developers - Supporting Evidence
Multiple AI apps have reached top rankings despite Musk’s claims. For instance, DeepSeek topped charts in early 2025, while Perplexity claimed #1 in India in mid-July—all occurring after Apple’s partnership with OpenAI. - Public Feud Intensifies
The exchange between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman added fuel to the controversy. Altman accused Musk of algorithmically manipulating his own platform (X) for gain, to which Musk responded with personal jabs.
Why It Matters
- Antitrust Spotlight Intensifies
The episode accelerates regulatory attention on Apple’s App Store practices, already under scrutiny in ongoing legal battles. - Trust & Platform Integrity at Risk
As AI apps proliferate, maintaining perceived fairness in app discovery is critical for Apple’s platform legitimacy. - Policy Clarity Needed
Apple’s emphasis on “safe discovery” may underscore stricter editorial standards—not bias—raising important questions about the balance between safety and visibility. - Industry Tensions Highlighted
The clash illustrates broader power struggles in the AI space, where visibility on major platforms equates to competitive advantage.
