Apple and OpenAI will now have to defend themselves in court after a federal judge declined to dismiss Elon Musk’s antitrust lawsuit. The case centers on allegations that Apple’s integration of ChatGPT into iOS gives OpenAI an unfair advantage and blocks xAI’s Grok from competing at the same level. Musk’s companies argue this harms innovation and limits consumer choice, while Apple and OpenAI say the lawsuit is based on speculation rather than evidence.
The ruling comes after months of public tension. Musk has repeatedly suggested that Apple manipulates App Store rankings and boosts ChatGPT through special placement on features like the Must Have Apps list. Grok has climbed the charts in categories like Productivity, and X ranks high in News, yet Musk claims neither receives the promotional visibility ChatGPT enjoys. He believes Apple’s close partnership with OpenAI creates an environment that sidelines rivals before consumers even get a chance to try them. Apple and OpenAI deny any exclusive arrangement, and Apple maintains that other chatbots remain available through apps and browsers.
Judge Mark Pittman said the lawsuit can proceed, but clarified that his decision is procedural and not a judgment on the merits. Both sides must now submit additional filings before the case moves toward summary judgment. The central question will be whether Apple’s ChatGPT integration meaningfully blocks competitors from iOS or if it is simply a first partnership in a market that is still early and evolving. Legal experts say the case could shape how regulators define competitive behavior in AI, especially as default models on dominant platforms become a global antitrust issue.
For now, the lawsuit keeps Apple, OpenAI, X Corp., and xAI locked in a high-profile dispute that reflects broader industry tensions. ChatGPT remains the most widely used consumer AI app. Grok and X continue to struggle with mainstream adoption, affected by controversies and a niche audience. Musk argues these challenges stem from anticompetitive conduct, while critics say user demand and product issues play a larger role. The court will now take a closer look at whether Apple’s AI strategy genuinely limits competition or if the lawsuit overstates the impact.
(via Bloomberg)
