Musk threatens legal action against Apple for allegedly neglecting to include X and Grok apps in their platform

Apple is under scrutiny for its App Store policies, with multiple allegations suggesting a violation of antitrust laws. The heart of the issue lies in Apple's control over the iOS App Store and its restrictions on alternative payment systems and app distribution channels.

Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, accused Apple of maintaining a monopoly on the iOS app marketplace. The company argued that Apple's requirement for all iOS apps to use its App Store and in-app purchase system exclusively prevents alternative app stores or direct payments, which could be cheaper or more competitive.

One of the key concerns is Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases. Epic Games and others claim this fee is excessive and anti-competitive. Apple defends this fee by citing the value it provides to developers, including technology, security, marketing, and distribution.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has also accused Apple of blocking multi-functional apps like WeChat and preventing cloud gaming apps from operating fully on iOS. This suppression of competition is another point of contention.

The DoJ also criticized Apple’s policies around messaging, such as not supporting RCS on iMessage and not allowing third-party messaging apps to fully replace Apple's Messages app. This consumer lock-in is another issue raised in the allegations.

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla, has added to the controversy by alleging that Apple favors certain AI apps, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, over rivals like his own Grok app. Musk claims this manipulation of app store rankings constitutes an antitrust violation.

Apple has been fined by the European Union for not allowing app developers to direct users to cheaper payment methods outside the App Store.

Apple defends its practices as necessary for maintaining user privacy, security, and quality standards. The company argues that it does not have a monopoly because the relevant market includes multiple platforms beyond iOS.

The legal disputes have included multiple court rulings and appeals, with the Supreme Court declining to hear some appeals as recently as early 2024, keeping certain injunctions on hold while further review continues.

As of early Tuesday, TikTok is ranked highest in Apple's App Store's "Must-Have Apps", followed by ChatGPT, TeaOnHer Dating Advice, Tea Dating Advice, Threads, ParentSquare, Grok - AI Assistant, and Google. However, neither Grok nor X are listed on the "Must-Have" page featuring a total of 21 popular apps.

Elon Musk has threatened to sue Apple for not featuring X or Grok in the Apple Store's "Must-Have Apps". The ranking of apps in the App Store has been a topic of discussion, with Musk complaining about Apple's AppStore not ranking Grok AI higher in the "Top Free Apps" section.

In a surprising turn of events, Apple has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its intelligence ecosystem. This partnership has added another layer to the ongoing debate about competition and fairness in the app market.

The legal battles surrounding Apple's App Store policies are far from over, with the tech giant facing a complex web of allegations and ongoing litigation. The outcome of these disputes could have significant implications for the tech industry and consumer choices moving forward.

[1] CNBC. (2021). Apple faces antitrust lawsuit from Epic Games over App Store policies. [online] Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/03/epic-games-files-antitrust-lawsuit-against-apple-over-app-store-policies.html

[2] The Verge. (2020). The Department of Justice is suing Google over antitrust violations. [online] Available at: https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/20/21522138/google-antitrust-lawsuit-doj-monopoly-search-advertising-competition

[3] Reuters. (2021). Apple's App Store practices under antitrust scrutiny in South Korea. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/technology/south-korea-says-apple-app-store-practices-under-antitrust-scrutiny-2021-05-18/

[4] The Washington Post. (2021). Elon Musk says Apple is ‘manipulating’ its App Store to suppress his Neuralink app. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/05/06/elon-musk-says-apple-manipulating-its-app-store-suppress-neuralink-app/

[5] TechCrunch. (2021). Epic Games v. Apple trial: Day 1 recap. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2021/05/03/epic-games-v-apple-trial-day-1-recap/

Musk threatens legal action against Apple for allegedly neglecting to include X and Grok apps in their platform