xAI and Apple return to the antitrust spotlight. On August 12, Elon Musk said xAI will take immediate legal action against Apple, alleging the App Store favors OpenAI/ChatGPT in discovery while sidelining Grok and X from top editorial placements. Apple has not commented, and no formal court filing is visible so far.
What Musk alleges
Musk argues the App Store’s ranking and curation are being manipulated, making it “impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1.” He points to the absence of X and Grok from Apple’s “Must Have” collections despite download momentum. In his view, this constitutes an antitrust violation tied to Apple’s control over discovery in iOS.
What is confirmed for now
As of publication, there is no docketed case number or details about jurisdiction. Multiple outlets corroborate the threat of legal action and note the lack of an Apple response. Independent coverage also shows ChatGPT receiving prominent placement in the App Store, which is central to Musk’s grievance about preferential exposure.
Why it matters
This clash centers on platform power. When a gatekeeper controls both the storefront and the spotlight, perceptions of favoritism can trigger competition concerns. For AI apps, top-of-store discovery is a distribution choke point: featured placement can swing acquisition costs, retention and brand awareness. The dispute also lands amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny. In Europe, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is pushing gatekeepers to curb self-preferencing and open up their ecosystems. Any Musk versus Apple suit would likely probe Apple’s ranking signals, editorial governance and how “featured” sets are assembled.
What to watch next
- Filing specifics: if xAI files, expect close attention to the legal theories and venue. Observers will look for whether claims invoke US antitrust statutes or reference EU gatekeeper obligations.
- Apple’s stance: Apple could defend editorial independence and App Store quality standards, or it could adjust curation criteria to reduce perceived bias.
- Regulatory reaction: US and EU agencies may treat Musk’s allegations as inputs for ongoing App Store oversight, especially under the DMA.
- Market impact: any change in App Store placements for ChatGPT, Grok or rival assistants could immediately affect download ranks and user growth trajectories.
Source: Reuters, The Verge, Associated Press, MacRumors, Business Insider
