Apple has denied accusations from Elon Musk that the App Store favors OpenAI’s ChatGPT over other AI apps. The company told Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that the App Store is “fair and free of bias.”
Apple said it features thousands of apps through charts, algorithms, and expert-curated lists, using “objective criteria” to help users discover apps safely and give developers equal opportunities.
The statement came after Musk threatened to sue Apple. He accused the company of breaking antitrust laws by making it “impossible” for any AI app other than ChatGPT to reach the number one spot. Musk said his AI app, Grok, is being unfairly treated.
However, Apple noted that other AI apps, including DeepSeek, have topped the App Store charts this year. Currently, ChatGPT is number one on the free apps list, Grok is at number five, and Musk’s social app X is at number 32.
Musk also claimed Apple refuses to feature Grok or X in its “Must Have” section, where ChatGPT appears. Grok has recently added adult-themed content, including celebrity deepfakes, and often draws attention for controversial responses.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded by saying Musk has adjusted X’s algorithms to boost his own businesses.
Apple is already facing a separate antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice and is appealing a ruling in its legal battle with Epic Games over App Store rules.
