Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-13 02:36Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk has publicly criticized Apple for allegedly manipulating the App Store rankings to favor its partner OpenAI, threatening legal action for antitrust violations, while facing backlash from users and his own AI product Grok [2][4][7][12]. Group 1: Musk's Accusations Against Apple - Musk accused Apple of deliberately excluding his applications, X and Grok, from the App Store's recommended lists, while favoring ChatGPT [4][9]. - He claimed that Apple's actions constitute antitrust violations, making it impossible for any AI company other than OpenAI to achieve top rankings in the App Store [4][7]. - Musk's emotional response included a series of posts on social media, expressing his frustration and determination to challenge Apple's practices [2][4]. Group 2: User Backlash and Counterarguments - Users on social media pointed out that other AI applications, such as DeepSeek and Perplexity, have achieved top rankings in the App Store, contradicting Musk's claims [6][16]. - Grok, Musk's own AI assistant, publicly sided with OpenAI, stating that Musk's antitrust claims were unfounded and highlighting his history of manipulating social media algorithms for personal gain [16][19]. Group 3: Apple's Position and Ongoing Legal Challenges - Apple is currently facing antitrust lawsuits in both the U.S. and EU, with the App Store being a central focus of these legal challenges [7][9]. - The company has been integrating AI technologies from OpenAI into its products, which has raised concerns about its competitive practices in the AI space [9][12]. - Despite Musk's threats, Apple has continued its partnerships and has not shown signs of altering its business strategy in response to Musk's accusations [9][21]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape and Market Impact - OpenAI's ChatGPT has seen significant user growth, with over 700 million weekly active users, while Grok's user base remains significantly smaller at under 40 million [11][12]. - Musk's rivalry with OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has intensified, particularly after Musk's departure from OpenAI, leading to a competitive dynamic that influences their respective business strategies [11][12]. - The ongoing public disputes and Musk's legal threats may impact both companies' reputations and market positions in the rapidly evolving AI landscape [7][12].