Elon Musk has filed an antitrust case challenging the partnership between Apple and OpenAI. Musk alleges that this deal is stifling competition and hindering the growth of AI chatbots and superapps. This lawsuit could have a profound impact on both the AI industry and the app economy.
AI Antitrust Case: Elon Musk has filed a lawsuit against Apple through his AI company xAI and social media platform X. He alleges that Apple is attempting to eliminate competition by promoting its partner OpenAI and ChatGPT. Industry experts consider this case, filed in a Texas federal court, a significant turning point for the AI industry and the app economy. The next hearing for the lawsuit is scheduled for March 2026.
Major Legal Battle Begins Over OpenAI Partnership
Elon Musk has leveled serious accusations against Apple through his AI company xAI and social media platform X. He claims that Apple is trying to eliminate competition by favoring its partner OpenAI and ChatGPT. For this reason, Musk has filed a case against Apple for violating antitrust laws. This lawsuit is considered significant not only for the tech industry but for the entire AI economy.
Musk's Attack on the Apple and OpenAI Deal
Musk alleges that the partnership between Apple and OpenAI has made it difficult for competitors like him to develop and scale AI chatbots and superapps. According to a Wall Street report, Musk claims that Apple uses App Store rules to curb competitors and prevents iPhone user data from reaching external companies.
Musk has described this as a monopolistic conspiracy by two giant companies. He believes that such strategies will suppress innovation in the tech sector and force smaller players out of the market.
Apple's Defense and DOJ Investigation
Apple has denied all allegations. The company states that its App Store is fair and transparent, and many superapps are already available on it. Apple argues that protecting user data is its top priority.
However, Apple is already facing an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ has also accused the company of deliberately hindering the growth of superapps and trying to maintain its market dominance.
Long-Standing Tension Between Musk and Tim Cook
This dispute did not arise suddenly. The tug-of-war between Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook has been ongoing since Musk acquired the X platform. Musk has long been bothered by Apple's strict app-review rules, which he has openly criticized on numerous occasions.
Musk believes that these rules create obstacles for new companies and give Apple an unfair advantage. This is why the "cold war" between Apple and Musk continues to escalate.
From Friendship to Feud with OpenAI
About ten years ago, Elon Musk and Sam Altman co-founded OpenAI. However, Musk parted ways due to differences in vision. Now, OpenAI's success has become a kind of personal obsession for him. This led him to create his AI company xAI and link it with the X platform.
Recently, Musk's company filed a lawsuit against both Apple and OpenAI in a Texas federal court. Meanwhile, a California court has acknowledged that the media campaign waged by Musk against OpenAI has harmed competition. The hearing for this case is scheduled for March 2026.
