Elon Musk’s AI start-up, xAI, has launched legal action against Apple and OpenAI, claiming their partnership to bring ChatGPT to iPhones breaches US antitrust laws.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Monday, argues that Apple’s integration of ChatGPT into Siri and other iPhone features unfairly blocks rivals from reaching users. It says the deal gives OpenAI “exclusive access to billions of potential prompts” and leaves competitors such as xAI’s Grok chatbot at a disadvantage.
Apple–OpenAI Deal in the Spotlight
Apple struck a deal with OpenAI in 2024 to add ChatGPT into its devices as part of its broader push into artificial intelligence. The feature rolled out in December, making ChatGPT the default — and so far the only — generative AI tool with direct system access on iPhones.
Musk’s lawsuit claims the agreement is “unlawful” and accuses Apple of failing to innovate in AI while leaning on OpenAI to fill the gap. It also alleges that Apple has manipulated App Store rankings and slowed down updates to xAI’s products.
A Long-Running Feud
The case adds to Musk’s ongoing clash with OpenAI and its chief executive, Sam Altman. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left three years later after disagreements over its direction. He has since accused the company of abandoning its founding mission as a non-profit research lab.
Musk has also filed a separate case against OpenAI in California and earlier this year made a failed bid to buy parts of the company.
Responses from Apple and OpenAI
Apple has not responded to the lawsuit. OpenAI dismissed the claims, saying in a statement:
“This latest filing is consistent with Mr Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment.”
Apple has previously said it intends to work with more AI providers but has not announced any deals beyond OpenAI. Reports suggest it has held talks with Google about integrating its Gemini system, but no agreement has been reached.
Why It Matters
The lawsuit raises wider questions about how AI services will be integrated into consumer technology. By tying ChatGPT directly to the iPhone, Apple has given OpenAI a reach no competitor currently matches.
If Musk succeeds, the case could force Apple to open up its devices to rival AI systems — a move that would reshape the competitive landscape of consumer AI.
