Elon Musk Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple and OpenAI Over AI Monopoly Tactics
Elon Musk Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple and OpenAI
Elon Musk has taken legal action against Apple and OpenAI, accusing the two companies of colluding to limit competition in the fast-growing field of artificial intelligence (AI). The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Texas, claims that Apple gave preferential treatment to OpenAI’s ChatGPT while sidelining rivals such as Musk’s xAI Grok chatbot.
According to the complaint, these practices restrict innovation and create an unfair advantage in the AI app ecosystem.
Allegations of Rigged AI App Rankings
Musk’s legal filing expands on earlier claims that Apple manipulated app rankings to give ChatGPT more visibility on the iPhone App Store. His companies, xAI and X Corp, are asking the court for financial damages and an injunction to stop Apple from what they describe as anti-competitive practices.
The lawsuit also states that Apple’s integration of ChatGPT as a built-in “answer engine” for iPhones provides OpenAI with access to valuable user data—while limiting opportunities for other AI tools such as Grok, Perplexity AI, and DeepSeek AI.
Apple–OpenAI Partnership Under Scrutiny
Musk’s legal team describes the alliance between Apple and OpenAI as a “conspiracy” aimed at preserving Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market. The lawsuit argues that Apple is using OpenAI to strengthen its position instead of developing its own advanced AI technology.
The complaint further suggests that Apple views the rise of AI super apps, including Musk’s planned X super app, as a threat to the iPhone’s long-term profitability.
OpenAI’s Mission Questioned
The lawsuit also revisits Musk’s long-standing criticism of OpenAI. He has frequently argued that the company shifted from its original nonprofit mission of serving humanity to a profit-driven model. Musk’s legal team accuses OpenAI of putting rapid growth and commercialization ahead of ethical AI development.
This case follows a similar dispute Musk initiated in 2023, in which he claimed OpenAI had strayed from its founding principles. OpenAI rejected those accusations, describing Musk’s actions as an attempt to undermine the organization.
Parallels with Past Antitrust Cases
The lawsuit draws comparisons with a 2023 U.S. Department of Justice antitrust case against Apple, which alleged that the company restricted competition in its app ecosystem. Musk’s lawyers argue that Apple is now applying similar tactics to the AI app market.
Future of AI Devices
One interesting omission from the filing is Apple’s connection to a potential new AI device. OpenAI has reportedly been working with former Apple design chief Jony Ive to create a new AI-powered product that some analysts believe could eventually rival the iPhone.
This raises questions about whether Apple’s current collaboration with OpenAI could eventually create competition within its own hardware ecosystem.
A Growing AI Rivalry
The dispute comes at a time when the AI industry is becoming increasingly competitive. Major players including Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and xAI are all racing to expand their influence in AI tools and infrastructure.
If Musk’s lawsuit succeeds, it could reshape the competitive balance in the AI sector and open the door for greater diversity in the types of AI technologies available to users.
Conclusion
The legal battle between Elon Musk, Apple, and OpenAI highlights the growing tension at the intersection of artificial intelligence, antitrust law, and big tech rivalry. While Musk accuses Apple and OpenAI of collusion, the outcome of this case could set important precedents for how AI platforms are integrated into consumer devices in the future.
As the global AI race accelerates, the results of this lawsuit could have lasting consequences for competition, innovation, and the role of technology giants in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
