Musk threatens Apple lawsuit over ChatGPT favoritism in App Store

Elon Musk has threatened to sue Apple and OpenAI, alleging that the iPhone maker unfairly favors ChatGPT over competing AI apps in the App Store rankings. Musk claims this constitutes “an unequivocal antitrust violation,” escalating his ongoing feud with OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman while potentially opening a new legal front in the competitive AI landscape.

What you should know: Musk’s legal threat centers on claims that Apple’s App Store policies create unfair advantages for OpenAI’s ChatGPT application.
• He alleges that Apple has made it “impossible for any AI app other than OpenAI’s ChatGPT to reach the top of the App Store.”
• The accusation suggests potential antitrust violations in how Apple manages its digital marketplace for AI applications.

The big picture: This legal threat reflects the intensifying competition and personal rivalries shaping the AI industry’s development.
• Musk co-founded OpenAI with Sam Altman before departing due to disagreements over the company’s direction and management approach.
• The dispute now involves his own AI venture, xAI, which competes directly with OpenAI in the artificial intelligence market.

What they’re saying: Both parties have responded publicly to the escalating tensions.
• “OpenAI will just stay focused on making great products,” Altman posted on Musk’s social media platform X, rejecting the recent accusations.
• Musk has characterized Apple’s alleged preferential treatment as a clear antitrust violation that warrants legal action.

Why this matters: The dispute highlights broader concerns about how major tech platforms control access to emerging AI technologies and whether market leaders can use their positions to favor certain competitors over others.