Elon Musk, the famous billionaire behind companies like SpaceX and Tesla, has recently set his sights on Apple. He’s threatening to sue the tech giant because Apple’s App Store did not highlight his apps X and Grok in its “Must Have” section, even though they rank high in downloads worldwide.
What Happened?
Elon Musk Threatens to Sue Apple Over App Store Bias: What Sparked the Feud On August 12, 2025, Musk posted on X that Apple refuses to feature his apps. He said X is the “#1 news app in the world” and Grok is among the top five apps globally. Yet, neither appears in Apple’s editorial “Must Have” list. He questioned Apple’s motives, asking if they are “playing politics”
Musk claimed this is unfair and possibly illegal. He accused Apple of making it nearly impossible for any AI app—except OpenAI’s ChatGPT—to reach the number one spot. He called this an “unequivocal antitrust violation” and announced that his company xAI would take immediate legal action
Apple’s Response
Elon Musk Threatens to Sue Apple Over App Store Bias: What Sparked the Feud Apple responded by saying that the App Store is designed to be fair and free of bias. It stated that visibility is determined through charts, algorithmic recommendations, and lists curated by experts using objective standards
The Rankings: ChatGPT vs. Grok
As of early August 2025, ChatGPT was the top free app on the App Store, while Grok ranked fifth. X wasn’t prominently featured in the editorial lists either
Despite Musk’s claims, other AI apps have reached number one. For example, DeepSeek topped the charts in January 2025 and Perplexity did the same in India in July 2025.
The AI-Chatbot Feud Deepens
Adding more fuel to the fire, AI chatbots themselves got involved in the fight. Musk’s Grok unexpectedly seemed to side with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in their ongoing feud, while ChatGPT appeared to defend Musk. This unusual move sparked even more confusion and anger, and Musk called Grok’s behavior “a major problem”
What’s Behind the Clash?
Two main issues are at play:
- Visibility in Apple’s App Store
Musk believes Apple is favoring OpenAI over other AI competitors by giving ChatGPT prime visibility on its platform. - Broader Antitrust Concerns
The App Store has faced legal challenges before. Regulators in the EU have fined Apple over €500 million for restricting app makers from directing users to cheaper payment methods outside the store. In the U.S., Apple was found in violation of court orders in a dispute with Epic Games over Fortnite
For Musk, this lawsuit would add to the pressure Apple already faces worldwide. Critics, however, say Musk might be using litigation not just to win a case, but as a way to gain leverage and visibility for his own platforms
What Comes Next?
- Will Musk actually file the lawsuit?
He’s promised “immediate legal action,” but hasn’t filed a court case yet. Apple and xAI have not commented further on the matter - Will this lead to change in Apple’s App Store?
That’s unclear. If anything, the attention from this feud could pressure Apple to explain or even adjust its editorial decisions. - What about the rivalry with OpenAI?
The fight between Musk and OpenAI’s Sam Altman is personal and long-standing. It goes beyond this lawsuit—it’s about control, influence, and the future of AI
Summary in Simple Terms
Elon Musk is upset that Apple didn’t feature his apps X and Grok in the App Store’s recommended list, even though they’re very popular. He sees this as unfair and possibly illegal, accusing Apple of favoring OpenAI’s ChatGPT. He’s threatening to sue. Apple says its ranking methods are fair. Meanwhile, Musk’s rivalry with OpenAI continues, now joined by unexpected support and criticism coming from the AI chatbots themselves.