Musk’s xAI Sues Apple, OpenAI Over Alleged AI Monopoly - 1

Image by Gage Skidmore, from Unsplash

Musk’s xAI Sues Apple, OpenAI Over Alleged AI Monopoly

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

The artificial intelligence startup xAI, founded by Elon Musk, filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI for their alleged collaboration to restrict competition in the fast-growing AI industry.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • The lawsuit claims Apple favors ChatGPT while sidelining Grok in the App Store.
  • Apple partnered with OpenAI in 2024 to integrate ChatGPT into its devices.
  • OpenAI calls Musk’s lawsuit “consistent with his ongoing pattern of harassment.”

The Texas federal court received the lawsuit on Monday which asserts that Apple and OpenAI have collaborated to restrict competition through their exclusive spot of ChatGPT on Apple devices.

“In a desperate bid to protect its smartphone monopoly, Apple has joined forces with the company that most benefits from inhibiting competition and innovation in AI: OpenAI, a monopolist in the market for generative AI chatbots,” the complaint states.

The filing alleges Apple has “locked up markets to maintain their monopolies and prevent innovators like X and xAI from competing.” Musk argues that Apple deprioritized xAI’s apps, such as Grok and social platform X, in its App Store rankings.

He claims that because of Apple’s exclusive partnership, “if iPhone users want to use a generative AI chatbot for key tasks on their devices, they have no choice but to use ChatGPT, even if they would prefer to use more innovative and imaginative products like xAI’s Grok,” as reported by Aljazeera .

Apple and OpenAI announced their deal in June 2024, integrating ChatGPT into iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Apple controls about 65 percent of the smartphone market. Grok, Musk’s “uncensored” chatbot, currently ranks third in Apple’s productivity apps behind Gmail and ChatGPT, as noted by WIRED .

OpenAI dismissed the lawsuit, with a spokesperson saying, “This latest filing is consistent with Mr. Musk’s ongoing pattern of harassment,” as reported by CNBC .

CEO Sam Altman previously responded to Musk’s threats by saying:

This is a remarkable claim given what I have heard alleged that Elon does to manipulate X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn’t like. https://t.co/HlgzO4c2iC — Sam Altman (@sama) August 12, 2025

The lawsuit is the most recent development in the ongoing legal and public disputes between Musk and Altman . Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 but left in 2018, later creating xAI to rival his former company. He has since filed a separate lawsuit against OpenAI for violating its nonprofit mission.

ALjazeera notes that Apple’s stock price continued to rise by 0.6 percent after the lawsuit announcement on Wall Street. The stock price of Tesla which is another Musk company, increased by 1.2 percent.

Unverified Android Apps Will Soon Stop Working On Most Devices - 2

Image by Pathum Danthanarayana, from Unsplash

Unverified Android Apps Will Soon Stop Working On Most Devices

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

Google is preparing a major security change for Android apps that could reshape how software is distributed across its ecosystem.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Google compares the new system to “an ID check at the airport.”
  • Rollout begins in 2026, starting in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
  • Critics say the plan could give Google more control over app distribution.

On Monday the company announced plans to start verifying the identities of all app developers, including those who distribute apps outside the Play Store . In the coming years, apps without verified developers will not work on most Android devices.

Google compared the process to “an ID check at the airport.” The company already requires Play Store developers to verify their identities, a move it says has sharply reduced malware and fraud. Now, it wants to extend the system to sideloaded apps, which Google claims are “50 times more likely to contain malware.”

ArsTechnica reports Android Developer Console will receive a simplified version for outside applications as part of Google’s launch. Developers must register their app package names and signing keys after verification. The developer identity verification process will be the only requirement for Google since the company says it will not review app content or functionality.

Google plans to test the new system in October, open it to all developers by March 2026, and roll it out in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand starting September 2026. A global rollout could follow in 2027.

ArsTechnica notes that this comes where Epic Games has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google which could force the company to reduce its control over app distribution. The courts have already ordered Google to enable third-party app stores and app rehosting. While this increases choice, it also raises security risks from apps installed outside the Play Store.

Recently, fake Google Play pages are tricking Android users into downloading SpyNote malware . The malicious apps enable spying, data theft, and remote control, mimicking real Play Store listings.

Researchers say attackers use newly registered domains and hidden APKs to infect devices. Experts warn removal often requires a factory reset.

However ArsTechnica reports that critics warn that the new verification system could act as a heavy-handed gatekeeper, giving Google more control as competition in app distribution grows.

For now, though, the company insists its aim is to protect users from harmful software.