Apple Denies Elon Musk’s Claim of OpenAI Favoritism in App Store
▼ Summary
– Apple denied Elon Musk’s claims of App Store bias against AI apps competing with OpenAI, stating its selections are based on objective criteria.
– Musk threatened legal action, alleging Apple’s practices prevent non-OpenAI AI companies from topping App Store charts.
– Apple and OpenAI partnered last year to integrate ChatGPT into Apple products, but no evidence shows OpenAI is favored in the App Store.
– Other AI apps like Perplexity and DeepSeek have reached the top of App Store charts, contradicting Musk’s accusations.
– Apple faces increased regulatory scrutiny and legal challenges, including a recent U.S. court ruling over its App Store policies.
Apple has firmly dismissed Elon Musk’s allegations that its App Store unfairly promotes OpenAI’s AI applications over competitors. The tech giant emphasized its commitment to impartiality, stating that app recommendations and rankings are determined through objective criteria rather than favoritism.
The dispute arose after Musk, through his AI venture xAI, accused Apple of creating an uneven playing field where OpenAI allegedly receives preferential treatment. He went as far as threatening legal action, claiming the App Store’s policies make it nearly impossible for rival AI firms to achieve top rankings.
Apple’s partnership with OpenAI, announced last year, integrates ChatGPT into iOS and Siri, but the company insists this collaboration doesn’t influence App Store rankings. Independent AI applications like Perplexity and DeepSeek have frequently topped download charts, undermining Musk’s argument.
Historically, Apple might have ignored such accusations, but growing regulatory scrutiny has forced the company to address concerns more transparently. Recent legal battles, including the ongoing Epic Games case, have put Apple’s app distribution practices under a microscope. A U.S. district judge recently criticized the company for failing to implement court-ordered policy changes, adding to the pressure.
While Musk’s claims have sparked debate, Apple maintains that its algorithms and editorial selections prioritize user experience, not corporate alliances. The company’s response highlights its efforts to balance innovation with fairness as global regulators demand greater accountability in digital marketplaces.
(Source: TechCrunch)
