Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has launched a scathing attack on Apple's newly announced partnership with OpenAI, calling it a "security violation" and threatening to ban iPhones from his companies if the tech giant integrates OpenAI at the operating system level.
Musk's Explosive Reaction
The billionaire entrepreneur took to his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice his concerns, stating: "If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation." Musk went further, suggesting employees would need to store their Apple devices in "Faraday cages" - shielded containers that block electromagnetic fields - if they wanted to bring them to work.
The Apple-OpenAI Deal
The controversy stems from Apple's recent announcement at WWDC 2025 about deepening its collaboration with OpenAI. The partnership will see OpenAI's technology, including its popular ChatGPT system, integrated more deeply into Apple's ecosystem, potentially at the operating system level.
History of Tension
This isn't the first clash between Musk and OpenAI. Despite being a co-founder of OpenAI in 2015, Musk left the organization in 2018 and has since become increasingly critical of its direction under CEO Sam Altman. The tension escalated when Musk launched his own AI venture, xAI, in 2023.
Security Concerns or Competitive Fears?
While Musk frames his objections in terms of security, industry analysts suggest there may be more to the story. "This appears to be as much about business competition as it is about genuine security concerns," said tech analyst Priya Patel. "With xAI struggling to gain market share against OpenAI, Musk may see this Apple partnership as a significant threat."
What This Means for Apple Users
For now, Apple users needn't worry about immediate changes. The integration is expected to roll out gradually, and Musk's ban would only affect his own companies' premises. However, the public spat highlights the increasingly complex relationships between tech giants in the AI arms race.
