amynicole – Apple has rejected claims that it favors OpenAI’s ChatGPT over competing AI apps on its App Store. The response comes after Elon Musk accused Apple of engaging in anti-competitive behavior by allegedly promoting OpenAI at the expense of rivals like xAI’s Grok.
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An Apple spokesperson told the BBC that the App Store features thousands of apps through charts. Algorithmic recommendations, and curated lists based on objective criteria. The company emphasized that it aims to maintain a fair and unbiased experience for all developers.
The controversy began when Musk tweeted that Apple’s promotion practices made it “impossible” for any AI company. Besides OpenAI to reach the number one spot. He called the alleged favoritism “an unequivocal antitrust violation” and said xAI would take immediate legal action, although no formal filing has been reported.
Musk also criticized Apple’s editorial choices. Claiming that ChatGPT appeared in every curated list, while Grok and X—the news app he owns—were excluded despite high download rankings.
However, a Community Notes addition to Musk’s post pointed out that other AI apps have reached the top of the App Store since Apple’s OpenAI partnership was announced in June 2024. Specifically, China’s DeepSeek topped the charts in January, and Perplexity AI led in India more recently.
As of August 13, ChatGPT ranked first among free iPhone apps in the U.S. With Grok at number six, Google Gemini at 45, and Microsoft 365 Copilot at 82.
Online Feud Between Musk and Altman Escalates Publicly Amid Growing AI Rivalries
The debate quickly turned personal as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman weighed in. Altman called Musk’s accusations “remarkable,” considering past reports that Musk manipulated X’s algorithms to boost his own posts. And harm competitors. He cited a 2023 Platformer article that claimed Musk demanded preferential treatment for his tweets after a post from President Biden outperformed his during the Super Bowl.
Musk responded by accusing Altman of dishonesty. Highlighting a post Altman made that received more engagement than many of his own, despite Musk’s larger follower base. Musk also echoed support from X’s Head of Product. Who alleged that OpenAI was guilty of manipulating its own app by placing warning messages on links to competing platforms.
Screenshots circulated showing ChatGPT flagging outbound links with cautionary labels. Which Musk and his supporters claimed unfairly discouraged users from exploring rival tools. The official ChatGPT account later reposted a response from Grok. Stating that Musk had a history of directing X algorithm changes to benefit himself—further intensifying the dispute.
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In a final twist, Musk shared a Grok-generated result declaring him more trustworthy than Altman. A move that further blurred the lines between satire and corporate rivalry.
While Apple has largely stayed above the fray, the tech giant finds itself caught in a growing battle between two of the AI sector’s most influential and outspoken figures. The outcome could shape not just developer trust in the App Store, but broader questions around AI competition and platform neutrality.
