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Apple’s App Store dominance is once again under fire, this time from Elon Musk, who says his AI startup xAI is being sidelined in favor of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The billionaire claims Apple’s ranking practices unfairly block other AI apps from taking the top spot, a move he insists is a “clear antitrust violation.”
The Spark Behind Musk’s Anger
Musk took to X on Monday, accusing Apple of rigging the App Store’s “Top Free Apps” chart. According to him, ChatGPT holds the No. 1 position in the U.S. iPhone rankings. At the same time, his AI chatbot Grok sits at No. 5, with Google’s Gemini far behind at No. 57.
The issue, he says, isn’t just about placement; it’s about visibility. Musk also complained that neither X nor Grok appears in Apple’s “Must Have” section, despite X being “the No. 1 news app in the world.”
“Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store”, says Musk
Apple’s Strong OpenAI Ties
The controversy comes as Apple deepens its relationship with OpenAI, integrating ChatGPT directly into iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While Apple hasn’t responded to Musk’s accusations, the partnership has fueled speculation that Apple’s App Store practices could favor its collaborators.
Legal Heat Already on Apple
This isn’t Apple’s first clash over App Store control. In April, the EU hit the tech giant with a €500 million ($587 million) fine, citing restrictive practices that stopped developers from steering customers to cheaper alternatives outside the App Store. Around the same time, a U.S. judge found Apple in violation of a previous court order in its high-profile battle with the maker of ‘Fortnite,’ Epic Games, referring the matter to federal prosecutors for a criminal contempt investigation.
Musk’s Next Move
While Musk has not shared specific evidence for his claim, he says xAI will “take immediate legal action” against Apple. If filed, the case could become another high-stakes challenge to Apple’s tight grip on its digital marketplace. The dispute also plays into a broader global conversation on whether big tech’s control over distribution platforms stifles fair competition, especially in the rapidly growing AI sector.
With regulators already circling, Musk’s fight could add another layer of pressure on Apple’s App Store empire.
What the community thinks
The App Store feud between Elon Musk’s xAI and Apple is sparking mixed reactions online. X user Wall Street Apes argued that Apple’s deep integration of ChatGPT into its devices naturally gives it a massive edge, claiming users should have the freedom to choose alternatives like Grok.
In contrast, another x user, Sean Saulsbury, downplayed the antitrust uproar, saying Apple’s bias is obvious but irrelevant to most users who rarely pay attention to ranking charts.
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FAQs
Musk claims Apple favors OpenAI’s ChatGPT in App Store rankings, sidelining rivals like Grok.
Apple is integrating ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads, and Macs, boosting its reach over rivals.
Yes, the EU fined Apple €500M for restrictive practices, and U.S. courts have also ruled against it.
Highlights tech giants’ control over AI distribution – Musk’s case could pressure Apple’s 30% App Store fees and ranking algorithms under regulatory scrutiny.
