Elon Musk has accused Apple of systematically favoring OpenAI in its App Store rankings, alleging anti-competitive practices that disadvantage rival AI firms, including his own. The tech billionaire claims Apple’s editorial selections exclude his platforms, X and Grok, from featured lists while promoting OpenAI’s ChatGPT—a move he calls a "clear antitrust violation." His AI venture, xAI, plans immediate legal action, escalating tensions amid Apple’s existing regulatory scrutiny over App Store policies. Meanwhile, the iPhone maker faces additional pressure as U.S. trade threats loom, with proposed tariffs on overseas production potentially disrupting supply chains.
Regulatory and Market Risks Mount
The dual challenges of Musk’s lawsuit and trade policy uncertainties could strain Apple’s stock performance. Investors are wary as the company navigates legal battles and potential manufacturing shifts, compounding existing antitrust investigations. Neither Apple nor OpenAI has publicly responded, but the conflict underscores growing scrutiny over Big Tech’s market dominance. With shares already sensitive to regulatory headwinds, the fallout may test investor confidence in Apple’s near-term stability.
