Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup xAI filed a lawsuit against Apple and ChatGPT maker OpenAI in US federal court in Texas on Monday, accusing them of conspiring to block competition in AI markets.
The lawsuit alleged that Apple and OpenAI “locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing.” Apple’s partnership with OpenAI integrates ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads and Macs.
“If not for its exclusive deal with OpenAI, Apple would have no reason to refrain from more prominently featuring the X app and the Grok app in its App Store,” the lawsuit said. xAI said it is seeking billions of dollars in damages.
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“This latest filing is consistent with Mr. Musk's ongoing pattern of harassment,” an OpenAI spokesperson said. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Musk had threatened to sue Apple earlier this month, saying in a post on his platform X that Apple’s conduct “makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store.”
OpenAI’s ChatGPT became the fastest-growing consumer application in history following its 2022 launch. Musk’s xAI acquired X in March for $33 billion to bolster chatbot training and integrated its Grok chatbot into Tesla vehicles.
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Founded less than two years ago, xAI competes with Microsoft-backed OpenAI as well as Chinese startup DeepSeek. Musk is also separately suing OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman in California over its shift from nonprofit to for-profit status.
Apple’s App Store has faced multiple lawsuits, including an ongoing case by “Fortnite” maker Epic Games, where a judge ordered Apple to allow more competition in app payments.
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