Login to Continue Learning
A few days ago, Elon Musk accused Apple of committing an “unequivocal antitrust violation” related to the App Store’s handling of AI apps on X. He argued that Apple never features his platforms, such as X or Grok, in its highlight sections and prefers OpenAI’s ChatGPT over other AI apps. Musk threatened immediate legal action.
Apple Responds
In response, Apple quickly issued a statement via Bloomberg through Mark Gurman. The company denied the accusations of bias and stated that its App Store rankings are guided by a commitment to “safe discovery for users” and meaningful visibility for developers. Apple emphasized objective criteria based on safety rather than favoritism.
External Data Shows Nuance
While Apple maintains its stance, external data suggests that other AI apps have reached top spots in different markets. For instance, China’s DeepSeek topped charts in January, while Perplexity AI was the top app in July. This indicates that other AI apps have achieved prominence even outside of ChatGPT.
Musk’s Frustration
Musk’s frustration stems from the fact that despite his X app topping the News chart, it never received a prominent feature on the App Store, hindering its climb in overall rankings. Even after launching new features and making Grok 4 free for all users, the Grok app managed to reach only fifth place overall and second in the Productivity category.
Broader Conflict
This situation highlights more than just App Store politics. It underscores a broader conflict between Musk with xAI’s Grok and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. With Apple acting as a gatekeeper in the AI app ecosystem, the accusations and counter-accusations take on legal and ethical dimensions. The overall feud is about visibility, fairness, and defining what fair means.
Apple’s Stance
Musk frames Apple’s App Store as favoring ChatGPT, questioning its neutrality. Conversely, Apple insists it is not choosing favorites but simply working to keep things secure and discoverable for users and developers. All eyes are on whether the situation will escalate beyond heated rhetoric to actual legal proceedings.
📚 Reading Comprehension Quiz
What was Elon Musk's main accusation against Apple regarding AI apps on X?
Please login or register to take the quiz and earn points!
