Musk Slams Apple-Google AI Deal as "Unreasonable Concentration of Power"

Elon Musk has sharply criticized Apple's multi-year deal to use Google's Gemini AI models, calling it an "unreasonable concentration of power" for Google. The criticism comes as Google faces ongoing antitrust scrutiny and Apple seeks to close its generative AI gap. Meanwhile, Musk's xAI is suing Apple and OpenAI over ChatGPT integration, alleging anti-competitive App Store practices. The dispute unfolds alongside international regulatory actions against Musk's Grok AI and significant funding milestones for xAI.

Key Points: Musk Criticizes Apple-Google AI Partnership

  • Musk criticizes Apple-Google AI deal
  • Google faces antitrust scrutiny
  • xAI sues Apple and OpenAI
  • Grok faces international backlash
  • xAI completes $20B funding round
2 min read

Elon Musk calls Apple‑Google AI tie‑up 'unreasonable concentration of power'

Elon Musk calls the Apple-Google Gemini deal an "unreasonable concentration of power" for Google, amid antitrust scrutiny and legal battles.

Elon Musk calls Apple‑Google AI tie‑up 'unreasonable concentration of power'
"This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google - Elon Musk"

New Delhi, Jan 13

Tesla CEO and founder of AI firm xAI Elon Musk on Tuesday sharply criticised Apple's decision to adopt Google's Gemini models for next‑generation Siri and Apple Foundation Models, calling it "an unreasonable concentration of power" for Google.

Musk posted his criticism on the social media platform X after Google confirmed the multi‑year deal would supply Gemini models and cloud infrastructure to power Apple Intelligence features.

"This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome," Musk wrote.

The dispute comes at a time when Apple seeks to close its generative AI gap, and Google faces ongoing antitrust scrutiny in the US and overseas over its dominance in search, advertising, and browsers.

Further, Musk's AI firm xAI is suing Apple and OpenAI over an earlier integration of ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence as an optional add-on. Musk alleged that Apple's app Store practices disadvantage rivals such as Grok, and the lawsuit has survived initial dismissal and is set to proceed, according to multiple reports.

The row also followed international backlash for Grok, which has been blocked in countries including Indonesia and Malaysia after allegations it generated non‑consensual sexualised images, including content involving minors.

India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) also cracked down on X Corp for failing to prevent the generation and circulation of obscene, nude, and indecent content on its platform.

Google recently announced the introduction of new Gemini-powered experiences, including AI Inbox, for more helpful and personalised insights for its users.

The new capabilities have started rolling out in the US to Gmail users as well as Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, said the company.

Earlier this month, xAI announced completion of a $20 billion funding round from investors including Nvidia Corp., Valor Equity Partners, and the Qatar Investment Authority.

The firm, which had already raised about $10 billion of corporate equity and debt in 2025, has been burning through about $1 billion per month. Musk had earlier confirmed that xAI is expanding data‑centre capacity in Memphis toward almost 2 gigawatts.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an iPhone user in Mumbai, I'm just happy Apple is finally adding proper AI features! Siri has been so behind Alexa and Google Assistant for years. I don't care if it's Google or xAI powering it, as long as it works well and respects my privacy. 🤞
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Rohit P
The real issue here is data sovereignty. If Apple-Google partnership means more Indian user data flows to US servers, that's a concern. MeitY should ensure strict local data storage rules are followed. Our digital infrastructure laws need to be stronger.
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Sarah B
Interesting timing with Musk's lawsuit. His Grok being blocked in several countries for serious violations, and now he's crying foul about Apple's choices? Feels hypocritical. Tech giants need to be responsible, not just powerful.
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Vikram M
Competition is good for consumers. But when Apple and Google join hands, where does that leave us? Hopefully this pushes Indian companies like Tata, Reliance, and Infosys to invest more in homegrown AI. Jio could be a game-changer if they focus on this.
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Kavya N
The article mentions xAI burning $1 billion per month! That's insane money. Meanwhile, many Indian startups struggle for funding. This AI race feels like a rich man's game. We need affordable, accessible AI tools for small businesses and farmers in India.

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