Elon Musk Criticizes Sam Altman in Heated Dispute Over Allegations of Apple Favoritism and Hypocrisy, Intensifying Personal Attacks in Ongoing Rivalry

Elon Musk has frequently encountered public criticism due to his impulsive remarks on X, which range from political commentary to personal jabs. His audacious and unfiltered statements have sparked regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the tech community. The CEO of xAI has targeted prominent figures in recent times, with his disputes with OpenAI’s Sam Altman stealing the spotlight. Once allies in the AI landscape, their relationship has deteriorated, especially following OpenAI’s pivot to a for-profit model, a move that Musk opposed vehemently.

A Growing Rivalry: Musk vs. Altman and Apple Favoritism

The rivalry between Musk and Altman has reignited as they recently engaged in another notable public altercation. This latest dispute was sparked by accusations of hypocrisy and favoritism, particularly regarding Apple’s alleged preferential treatment of OpenAI in the App Store. In a series of tweets, Musk expressed his frustrations, claiming that Apple was intentionally obstructing other AI companies from achieving visibility, which he deemed an antitrust violation. He even went so far as to announce potential legal action on behalf of his own venture, xAI.

In response to Musk’s claims, Sam Altman swiftly dismissed the accusations and turned the tables on Musk. He criticized the xAI founder for his perceived favoritism on X, suggesting that Musk’s complaints were an attempt to divert attention from his own actions. Altman’s retort not only refuted Musk’s assertions but also highlighted the irony of calling out perceived favoritism while engaging in it himself.

What began as a series of strategic disagreements has escalated into a bitter personal rivalry, observable to a global audience. Rather than concluding with petty remarks, Musk chose to continue the confrontation, shifting the focus from Apple to Altman’s post visibility. He leveled accusations against Altman for purportedly making dishonest claims, questioning why Altman’s postings garnered excessive attention in comparison to his own — despite Musk boasting a significantly larger follower base.

You got 3M views on your bullshit post, you liar, far more than I’ve received on many of mine, despite me having 50 times your follower count!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 12, 2025

This latest confrontation underscores the intensifying rivalry between Musk and Altman amid a high-stakes battle for supremacy in the AI sector. Their escalating personal animosity also raises significant concerns about visibility and control within digital platforms. The extent to which Musk’s critiques are based on valid concerns or merely a reactive defense is still debatable. Nevertheless, the feud has transcended the context of the App Store or AI competition, evolving into a profound struggle for narrative authority and public perception.

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