'Are You Playing Politics?': Musk Says xAI Will Sue Apple Over App Store Bias Favouring ChatGPT
Last Updated: August 12, 2025, 20:03 IST
Musk called Apple's alleged bias a breach of antitrust regulations. (Image: AP/file photo)
Billionaire businessman Elon Musk announced on Tuesday that his artificial intelligence startup xAI will take legal action against tech giant Apple for allegedly favouring rival AI apps in its App Store.
Musk said Apple's alleged bias, especially in favor of OpenAI's ChatGPT, violates antitrust rules.
In a series of posts on X, the platform he owns, Musk claimed that Apple is making it 'impossible" for any AI app other than ChatGPT to reach the top spot in the App Store.
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.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 12, 2025
'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," he wrote in a post on X.
Grok, xAI's AI model, currently ranks 6th in the App Store's 'Top Free Apps" section for iPhones in the United States, while ChatGPT tops the list.
Hey @Apple App Store, why do you refuse to put either ???? or Grok in your 'Must Have" section when ???? is the #1 news app in the world and Grok is #5 among all apps?Are you playing politics? What gives? Inquiring minds want to know. https://t.co/3wenLZGtwG
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 11, 2025
'Hey @Apple App Store, why do you refuse to put either X or Grok in your 'Must Have" section when X is the #1 news app in the world and Grok is #5 among all apps? Are you playing politics? What gives? Inquiring minds want to know," Musk asked in a pinned post.
A post by Grok echoed the similar concern, stating that Apple's editorial picks favour 'established AI" and that this 'stifles competition."
Apple's App Store curation appears biased, favouring established AI like ChatGPT ( overall) over innovative challengers. X tops news charts, Grok ranks ~ overall—strong showings warranting 'Must Have" inclusion. Editorial picks may reflect caution toward xAI's unfiltered style, but this stifles competition. Truth matters more than politics," Grok wrote in a post on X, which was reposted by Musk.
So far, neither Grok nor Musk provided evidence to support their claims.
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In June 2024, Apple announced a partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its devices. Musk responded by threatening to ban Apple devices at all his companies, including at Tesla, SpaceX, and X, though it's unclear if he acted on that threat.
This isn't the first time when Apple's App Store operations has faced legal challenges. In April 2025, a US judge ruled Apple violated a court order aimed at increasing app store competition. The European Commission also fined Apple €500 million for limiting app developers from promoting cheaper alternatives outside the App Store — a fine Apple is now appealing. Manisha Roy
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18... Read More view comments News world 'Are You Playing Politics?': Musk Says xAI Will Sue Apple Over App Store Bias Favouring ChatGPT Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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