Musk Accuses Apple of Bias Towards OpenAI

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has sparked a new tech industry feud after accusing Apple’s App Store of giving preferential treatment to OpenAI, the company led by Sam Altman. Musk, who heads his own AI venture, xAI, claimed that Apple’s app ranking and approval policies are “skewed” in favour of OpenAI’s ChatGPT app, sidelining competitors in visibility and discoverability.

Sam Altman Dismisses Allegations

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman quickly dismissed Musk’s accusations, calling them “unfounded” and suggesting that success in the App Store is driven by user demand and quality, not favoritism. Altman added that ChatGPT’s popularity stems from its “continuous innovation and user trust,” rejecting the idea of any behind-the-scenes Apple bias.

A Growing Rivalry in the AI Industry

The exchange marks yet another chapter in the escalating rivalry between Musk and Altman, both former allies at the inception of OpenAI. Their professional paths have since diverged sharply—Altman steering OpenAI into mainstream AI adoption, while Musk pushes for xAI to rival the dominance of ChatGPT and other generative AI platforms.

Apple Stays Silent Amid the Dispute

Apple has not publicly commented on the claims, maintaining its usual stance of avoiding involvement in public disputes between developers. However, analysts note that such allegations could intensify scrutiny over Apple’s App Store practices, especially in the context of global antitrust investigations.

Industry Reaction and Public Debate

The clash has ignited debate across tech forums and social media, with some industry watchers supporting Musk’s call for greater transparency in app store algorithms, while others argue that his comments stem from competitive frustration. The public spat is likely to fuel further discussion about app store fairness and the growing dominance of a few AI giants.