Elon Musk takes on Apple’s App Store favoritism

Elon Musk has ignited a new tech industry controversy, accusing Apple of unfair treatment toward his platforms, X and xAI’s Grok, in the iOS App Store. Despite X ranking as the top news app globally and Grok placing fifth overall, Musk claims the lack of placement in Apple’s “Must Have” or “Editor’s Choice” sections is an intentional snub. The Tesla and xAI CEO argues this exclusion limits visibility, hinting it could be an antitrust violation — a bold accusation in an already tense relationship between major tech players.

Why Musk calls it an ‘antitrust violation’

Musk’s frustration goes beyond mere visibility. He alleges Apple’s curation methods favor certain AI companies, particularly OpenAI, making it harder for competitors to gain the top App Store spot. While X and Grok still appear prominently in download rankings, Musk believes that Apple’s editorial promotions give select apps an unfair edge. His argument taps into ongoing global debates about whether App Store policies stifle competition and whether big tech platforms are using their market dominance to shape consumer choices.

Apple’s editorial control and the competitive edge

Apple’s App Store curation plays a significant role in which apps users discover first. Features like “Must Have” lists and “Editor’s Choice” badges can drive massive download spikes and brand recognition. Critics argue that this gatekeeping power gives Apple the ability to influence the success of apps beyond their organic popularity. Musk’s challenge amplifies growing scrutiny over whether these editorial decisions are transparent and whether they align with fair market principles — especially in the AI app space where competition is heating up.

The bigger picture: tech rivalries and regulation

This latest Musk-versus-Apple dispute highlights the evolving battleground between AI companies and major platform gatekeepers. As governments worldwide push for stronger antitrust enforcement in tech, high-profile clashes like this could shape future policy. Whether Musk’s legal threat will materialize remains uncertain, but it’s clear the fight for App Store dominance is as much about visibility and influence as it is about downloads and rankings. For now, the standoff adds another chapter to the saga of tech giants testing the limits of power and regulation.