OpenAI Denied Access to Apple and SpaceXAI Settlement

OpenAI will not gain access to the confidential settlement between X/SpaceXAI and Apple. On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Judge Mark Pittman denied OpenAI's request to disclose the terms of the settlement in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit.

Why the Judge Rejected OpenAI’s Request

After reviewing the agreement in private, Pittman concluded that it did not contain information essential to the remaining part of the case, which continues solely against OpenAI. In his ruling, he noted that courts have occasionally allowed access to confidential settlements, but only if they contained details relevant to the specific issues at hand. However, after examining the materials, he found nothing pertinent to the matters under consideration.

OpenAI had argued that the terms of the settlement between X/SpaceXAI and Apple could be crucial to its defense. It filed an urgent motion requesting the court to order the disclosure of the agreement. The judge first instructed X and SpaceXAI to submit the settlement for private judicial review before making his decision.

Background of the Dispute Between Musk, Apple, and OpenAI

Elon Musk’s companies, X Corp and SpaceXAI, filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI in August 2025. They accused the two firms of conspiring to push competing AI applications out of the market, including through manipulation of App Store rankings. Both Apple and OpenAI denied the allegations.

Shortly before the ruling, X and SpaceXAI informed the court that they had reached a settlement with Apple and would withdraw their claims against the company. According to Politico, the motion for voluntary dismissal was filed without explanation. Judge Pittman, as reported by Politico, is an appointee of former President Trump.

Next Steps in the Case Against OpenAI

In his ruling, Judge Pittman also noted that OpenAI plans to file a motion for summary judgment-a request for the court to decide the case or certain claims without a full trial. The court, as reported by 9to5mac, granted OpenAI additional time to prepare this motion.

The exact date of the lawsuit’s filing varies across media reports. AppleWorld cites August 2025, while Politico refers to last year.