Musk takes Apple and OpenAI to court over monopolistic practices

Elon Musk has launched a legal challenge against Apple and OpenAI, accusing the two companies of monopolistic practices that he claims are stifling innovation in the artificial intelligence sector, Reuters reported. 

The lawsuit, filed in Texas on Monday, alleges that Apple’s decision to integrate OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its devices has unfairly restricted competition. 

“Apple and OpenAI have locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing,” the filing stated.

It also argued that Apple deliberately downplayed Musk’s own products. “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,” it said.

xAI is seeking billions of dollars in damages. OpenAI dismissed the suit, saying: “This latest filing is consistent with Mr Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment.” Apple has so far declined to comment.

Musk, who also owns the social platform X and the carmaker Tesla, has been an outspoken critic of Apple’s partnership with OpenAI. Earlier this month, he said Apple’s conduct “makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store.”

Experts believe the case could be a turning point in the regulation of AI. Apple may argue its partnership with OpenAI was a legitimate business decision, while Musk’s lawyers are likely to argue that Apple’s dominance in smartphones gives it undue power.