- OpenAI has retained a law firm to explore legal actions against Apple (AAPL), according to people familiar with the matter.
- The dispute centers on Apple's App Store policies and their impact on OpenAI's ability to distribute AI services.
- The move signals escalating tensions between AI developers and platform gatekeepers.
Legal Preparations Underway
OpenAI is working with a prominent law firm to prepare potential legal actions against Apple, according to sources who requested anonymity to discuss confidential planning. The AI company is examining Apple's App Store guidelines and commission structure, which OpenAI alleges may stifle competition in AI services.
The preparations are in early stages, with no lawsuit filed yet. OpenAI has not publicly commented on the matter; a spokesperson declined to comment. Apple did not respond to requests for comment.
App Store Tensions
At the heart of the dispute is Apple's requirement that in-app purchases of digital services go through its payment system, which takes a 15% to 30% cut. OpenAI, which offers subscription-based services like ChatGPT Plus, has increasingly clashed with Apple over these fees and restrictions.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously criticized app store policies, calling them "a tax on innovation." The company is now weighing antitrust and competition law arguments, mirroring legal battles Epic Games and Spotify have waged against Apple.
Broader Implications
The potential lawsuit adds to growing regulatory scrutiny of Apple's App Store practices. In the European Union, the Digital Markets Act has forced Apple to allow alternative payment systems. Similar legislative efforts are pending in the U.S. and other markets.
For the AI industry, the outcome could set a precedent for how AI services are distributed on mobile platforms. If successful, it might lower barriers for AI startups competing with Big Tech's own AI offerings.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of the legal preparations. They are ongoing, not concluded.