HomeElon Musk to Sue Apple Over Alleged App Store Ranking Manipulation
Elon Musk states that his artificial intelligence firm, xAI, plans to pursue immediate legal measures against Apple. He accuses the tech giant of skewing App Store rankings to favor competing AI applications. In a series of posts on X Monday evening, Musk implied that Apple is engaging in political maneuvering by omitting both X and xAI's Grok chatbot from the App Store's featured iOS app recommendations. He claimed this left him no alternative but to take legal action.
“Apple's conduct effectively prevents any AI company other than OpenAI from reaching the top position on the App Store, which constitutes a clear antitrust breach,” Musk asserted. In another post now pinned to his profile, the xAI chief questioned Apple directly: “Why are X, the world’s leading news app, and Grok, ranked fifth among all applications, excluded from your ‘Must Have’ section?”
Musk did not present evidence to support these allegations, and it remains uncertain whether he has formally filed the lawsuit.
According to Bloomberg, Apple issued a statement through an unnamed spokesperson, maintaining that the App Store is “engineered to be equitable and impartial... We showcase thousands of apps via charts, algorithm-based suggestions, and expert-curated lists determined by objective standards.” The Verge has also contacted xAI and OpenAI for additional remarks.
Currently, ChatGPT holds the number one spot among free iPhone apps in the U.S. Apple App Store, with Grok in sixth place. It is worth noting that DeepSeek AI from China briefly surpassed ChatGPT in January, contradicting Musk’s assertion that no other AI app could achieve the top ranking.
Musk’s allegations of interference are especially pointed in light of claims about changes made to X following his 2022 acquisition of the platform, then called Twitter. A 2024 research paper indicated that X’s algorithm had been adjusted to favor content from Musk’s account. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, replied to Musk’s posts by referencing a 2023 Platformer investigation that similarly concluded Musk had a mechanism in place to amplify his posts across the platform. Additionally, in June, the Grok chatbot—which claims to pursue “maximum truth-seeking”—was discovered to consult Musk’s views before responding to contentious issues involving Israel and Palestine, U.S. immigration, and abortion.
This dispute is not the first between Musk, Apple, and OpenAI. Musk was among OpenAI’s original founders and has previously confronted the AI startup through litigation and a universally declined buyout offer of $97.4 billion, objecting to its shift toward a for-profit model. After OpenAI and Apple announced a collaboration to embed ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads, and Macs last year, Musk warned he would prohibit Apple devices across his companies if OpenAI’s technology was integrated into Apple’s operating systems.
Update, August 12th: Included Apple's statement provided to Bloomberg.
Related article
PHP Armageddon: OpenAI, Google’s Wiz uncover ancient holes, sparking internet panic
The U.S. National Security Agency issued a critical alert on Wednesday regarding two severe vulnerabilities in PHP, for which patches have already been released by the PHP Foundation.As a server-side scripting language, PHP powers approximately 70% o
Google AI Overviews Gain Ground in Search Results
According to Similarweb’s 2026 Generative AI Landscape report, Google’s AI-generated summaries appeared in 43% of US searches, a significant rise from 15% recorded a year prior.While AI Overviews present generated summaries within standard search res
Apple agrees to $250M settlement over delayed Siri AI rollout
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit regarding its marketing of AI features prior to the iPhone 16 launch, as first reported by the Financial Times.The lawsuit claimed Apple overstated the capabilities of Apple Intel
Related Special Topic Recommendations
Design & Art
Top AI Illustration Tools: Create Editorial Scenes and Cover Art Faster
2026 Latest Top-rated AI Illustration Tools: Our curated list features the best powerfully designed tools for creating stunning editorial scenes and eye-catching cover art quickly. Each option has gone through rigorous real-world tests, offering a free vs paid comparison to help you find the perfect match for your workflow. Try these must-try solutions today to unlock your AI edge and boost your creative productivity. Explore now at XIX.AI.
10 tools
xix.ai
Education and Learning
Top AI Tutors for Exam Prep: Practice Math, Science, and English
2026 Latest Top-Rated Best AI Tutors for Exam Prep are here on XIX.AI! Our curated list features powerful game-changing tools that offer free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and weekly updated rankings. They help boost your writing efficiency, simplify complex topic learning, and unlock your academic potential. Explore now to Discover your perfect exam prep tool and Start creating today to Unlock your AI edge!
10 tools
xix.ai
Finance
AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing solutions that help you conduct real-world tests, understand spending habits, and create personalized plans to boost productivity. Enjoy a free vs paid comparison along with detailed rankings. Must-try tools designed to simplify money management and unlock your AI edge. Explore now!
11 tools
xix.ai
Health & Wellness
AI Sleep Tracking Assistants: Improve Recovery with Better Bedtime Habits
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Sleep Tracking Assistants curated for ultimate recovery. This fully updated weekly guide features powerful tools that deliver real-world tests, free vs paid comparison, and detailed rankings to help you find the must-try solution that boosts sleep quality and supports better bedtime habits. Explore now at XIX.AI to Unlock your AI edge.
10 tools
xix.ai
Data Analysis
AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics! XIX.AI has curated a powerful, game-changing collection of must-try tools that undergo real-world tests through weekly updated rankings. These tools help users boost productivity significantly by accelerating data analysis, streamlining complex queries, and generating accurate insights to drive smarter business decisions. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for unlocking your AI edge!
14 tools
xix.ai
Education and Learning
Best AI Homework Helpers That Teach: Learn Concepts, Not Just Answers
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Homework Helpers That Teach Core Concepts Not Just Answers Powerful Tools for Students Must-Try Curated List Weekly Updated Free vs Paid Comparison Real-World Tests Accurate Rankings to Help You Unlock Your Full Learning Potential Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for smarter studying.
10 tools
xix.ai
Comments (1)
0/500
![JuanMoore]()
Honestly, Musk suing Apple over App Store rankings feels like a classic power grab. xAI is new, sure, but blaming Apple for not ranking them #1 is a stretch. They could just pay for better visibility instead of litigation. 🤷♂️ Still, it’s entertaining to watch these tech giants squabble. Let’s see if Apple’s legal team can handle this.
Elon Musk states that his artificial intelligence firm, xAI, plans to pursue immediate legal measures against Apple. He accuses the tech giant of skewing App Store rankings to favor competing AI applications. In a series of posts on X Monday evening, Musk implied that Apple is engaging in political maneuvering by omitting both X and xAI's Grok chatbot from the App Store's featured iOS app recommendations. He claimed this left him no alternative but to take legal action.
“Apple's conduct effectively prevents any AI company other than OpenAI from reaching the top position on the App Store, which constitutes a clear antitrust breach,” Musk asserted. In another post now pinned to his profile, the xAI chief questioned Apple directly: “Why are X, the world’s leading news app, and Grok, ranked fifth among all applications, excluded from your ‘Must Have’ section?”
Musk did not present evidence to support these allegations, and it remains uncertain whether he has formally filed the lawsuit.
According to Bloomberg, Apple issued a statement through an unnamed spokesperson, maintaining that the App Store is “engineered to be equitable and impartial... We showcase thousands of apps via charts, algorithm-based suggestions, and expert-curated lists determined by objective standards.” The Verge has also contacted xAI and OpenAI for additional remarks.
Currently, ChatGPT holds the number one spot among free iPhone apps in the U.S. Apple App Store, with Grok in sixth place. It is worth noting that DeepSeek AI from China briefly surpassed ChatGPT in January, contradicting Musk’s assertion that no other AI app could achieve the top ranking.
Musk’s allegations of interference are especially pointed in light of claims about changes made to X following his 2022 acquisition of the platform, then called Twitter. A 2024 research paper indicated that X’s algorithm had been adjusted to favor content from Musk’s account. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, replied to Musk’s posts by referencing a 2023 Platformer investigation that similarly concluded Musk had a mechanism in place to amplify his posts across the platform. Additionally, in June, the Grok chatbot—which claims to pursue “maximum truth-seeking”—was discovered to consult Musk’s views before responding to contentious issues involving Israel and Palestine, U.S. immigration, and abortion.
This dispute is not the first between Musk, Apple, and OpenAI. Musk was among OpenAI’s original founders and has previously confronted the AI startup through litigation and a universally declined buyout offer of $97.4 billion, objecting to its shift toward a for-profit model. After OpenAI and Apple announced a collaboration to embed ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads, and Macs last year, Musk warned he would prohibit Apple devices across his companies if OpenAI’s technology was integrated into Apple’s operating systems.
Update, August 12th: Included Apple's statement provided to Bloomberg.
PHP Armageddon: OpenAI, Google’s Wiz uncover ancient holes, sparking internet panic
The U.S. National Security Agency issued a critical alert on Wednesday regarding two severe vulnerabilities in PHP, for which patches have already been released by the PHP Foundation.As a server-side scripting language, PHP powers approximately 70% o
Google AI Overviews Gain Ground in Search Results
According to Similarweb’s 2026 Generative AI Landscape report, Google’s AI-generated summaries appeared in 43% of US searches, a significant rise from 15% recorded a year prior.While AI Overviews present generated summaries within standard search res
Apple agrees to $250M settlement over delayed Siri AI rollout
Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to resolve a class-action lawsuit regarding its marketing of AI features prior to the iPhone 16 launch, as first reported by the Financial Times.The lawsuit claimed Apple overstated the capabilities of Apple Intel
2026 Latest Top-rated AI Illustration Tools: Our curated list features the best powerfully designed tools for creating stunning editorial scenes and eye-catching cover art quickly. Each option has gone through rigorous real-world tests, offering a free vs paid comparison to help you find the perfect match for your workflow. Try these must-try solutions today to unlock your AI edge and boost your creative productivity. Explore now at XIX.AI.
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Top-Rated Best AI Tutors for Exam Prep are here on XIX.AI! Our curated list features powerful game-changing tools that offer free vs paid comparison, real-world tests, and weekly updated rankings. They help boost your writing efficiency, simplify complex topic learning, and unlock your academic potential. Explore now to Discover your perfect exam prep tool and Start creating today to Unlock your AI edge!
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Budget Planning Tools for Personal Money Management are here on XIX.AI! This curated collection features powerful, game-changing solutions that help you conduct real-world tests, understand spending habits, and create personalized plans to boost productivity. Enjoy a free vs paid comparison along with detailed rankings. Must-try tools designed to simplify money management and unlock your AI edge. Explore now!
11 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Sleep Tracking Assistants curated for ultimate recovery. This fully updated weekly guide features powerful tools that deliver real-world tests, free vs paid comparison, and detailed rankings to help you find the must-try solution that boosts sleep quality and supports better bedtime habits. Explore now at XIX.AI to Unlock your AI edge.
10 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI SQL Copilots for Product and Revenue Analytics! XIX.AI has curated a powerful, game-changing collection of must-try tools that undergo real-world tests through weekly updated rankings. These tools help users boost productivity significantly by accelerating data analysis, streamlining complex queries, and generating accurate insights to drive smarter business decisions. Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for unlocking your AI edge!
14 tools
xix.ai
2026 Latest Best Top-Rated AI Homework Helpers That Teach Core Concepts Not Just Answers Powerful Tools for Students Must-Try Curated List Weekly Updated Free vs Paid Comparison Real-World Tests Accurate Rankings to Help You Unlock Your Full Learning Potential Explore now to Discover your perfect tool for smarter studying.
10 tools
xix.ai
Honestly, Musk suing Apple over App Store rankings feels like a classic power grab. xAI is new, sure, but blaming Apple for not ranking them #1 is a stretch. They could just pay for better visibility instead of litigation. 🤷♂️ Still, it’s entertaining to watch these tech giants squabble. Let’s see if Apple’s legal team can handle this.
