The debate over Apple’s dominance in the App Store has reignited as Elon Musk, founder of xAI, accused the company of unfair practices. This time, he alleges that Apple is creating barriers for competition in the AI sector.
The Spark Behind Musk’s Anger
Elon Musk accused Apple of rigging the app ranking system in the App Store, stating that his AI application Grok is only ranked fifth, while OpenAI's ChatGPT occupies the top spot. Musk argues that the issue isn't just about rankings but also visibility, mentioning that neither X nor Grok appears in Apple’s ‘Must Have’ section, despite X being ‘the best news app in the world.’
CITE_W_A: 'Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store,' says Musk.
Apple’s Strong OpenAI Ties
The situation is further complicated by Apple’s growing relationship with OpenAI; the company has started integrating ChatGPT into devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While Apple has yet to respond to Musk’s claims, the potential for favoritism in the App Store due to partnerships is sparking significant debate.
Legal Heat Already on Apple
The conflicts surrounding Apple’s control of the App Store come on the heels of previous legal challenges the company has faced. In April, the EU fined Apple €500 million for restrictive practices that prevented developers from offering cheaper options outside the App Store. Additionally, a U.S. court ruled against Apple for violating a prior court order in its case against Epic Games, leading to a criminal contempt investigation.
The dispute between Musk and Apple raises important questions about competition in the digital marketplace. Musk has announced plans to take legal action against Apple, which could lead to heightened scrutiny in the regulation of large tech companies.
