Elon Musk's Shift in Perspective: From Rejecting Apple’s iOS to Praising iOS 26

In recent years, Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X, has been known for his outspoken opinions on technology and security, especially when it comes to the devices his companies use. A notable moment came in 2024, when Musk announced that Apple devices would be banned from his companies due to concerns over security risks, particularly regarding the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into Apple’s iOS 18. Fast forward to 2025, and Musk’s stance has dramatically changed, with him offering a surprisingly positive reaction to Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 26. This shift in attitude raises questions about Musk’s evolving relationship with Apple and its technological developments.

A Year of Dramatic Shifts: Musk’s Reactions to iOS 18 and iOS 26

Elon Musk’s initial reaction to Apple’s iOS 18 was far from favorable. He expressed severe concerns over the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into the iOS ecosystem. Musk referred to the integration as an “unacceptable security violation,” citing the potential for Apple to share users’ data with OpenAI without their knowledge. In a particularly bold move, Musk declared that Apple devices would be banned from his various companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, and visitors to these offices would be required to check their iPhones at the door, storing them in Faraday cages to protect against data leaks.

However, just a year later, Musk’s stance on Apple’s mobile operating system appears to have softened. At the WWDC 2025 event, Apple unveiled iOS 26, which brought a new “Liquid Glass” design along with significant upgrades to Apple Intelligence and AI-powered features. When Apple CEO Tim Cook posted a demonstration of the new iOS 26 interface, Musk responded with a single word: “Cool.” This brief yet positive reaction marked a stark contrast to his previous objections, and many are now wondering what factors could have contributed to Musk’s change of heart.

What Undercode Says: Analyzing the Shift in Musk’s Opinion

Elon Musk’s change in perspective may seem surprising, given his past criticisms of Apple’s security practices. There are several reasons why Musk might now view iOS 26 more favorably.

First, the “Liquid Glass” design introduced with iOS 26 represents a significant visual and functional overhaul that appeals to Musk’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation. The translucent UI elements and dynamic motion effects could resonate with his aesthetic preferences, reflecting his taste for futuristic and cutting-edge designs. Musk is known for his obsession with clean, minimalist designs, as seen in Tesla and SpaceX products, and iOS 26’s new look might align more closely with his personal taste.

Secondly, the enhanced AI capabilities of iOS 26 might be another factor that led Musk to soften his stance. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has long been at the forefront of AI development, from self-driving cars to SpaceX’s AI-driven rockets. The AI-powered system improvements in iOS 26, such as Live Translation and more integrated Apple Intelligence, could have caught Musk’s attention, especially considering his ongoing interest in artificial intelligence.

Another critical factor to consider is Apple’s growing focus on user privacy. While Musk had expressed concerns about data privacy with iOS 18, Apple has made significant strides in this area over the years. It’s possible that the company’s renewed focus on privacy in iOS 26, along with Musk’s own evolving views on security, helped shift his opinion.

Musk is also known for his pragmatism, and he may have realized that the security risks he once associated with iOS 18 were no longer a concern in iOS 26, especially if Apple had addressed some of these issues in the new version.

Fact Checker Results ✅❌

Apple’s integration of OpenAI into iOS 18: It’s true that Elon Musk opposed the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT into iOS 18, citing concerns about data privacy. However, the severity of these concerns might have been overstated, as Apple did not, in fact, compromise user privacy to the extent Musk feared.

2.

Musk’s positive reaction to iOS 26: Musk did indeed respond positively to the new iOS 26 during the WWDC 2025 event, offering a brief but approving comment: “Cool.” This marks a noticeable change from his previous criticisms.

Prediction: A New Era of Tech Collaboration? 🔮

Given Musk’s shift in attitude toward iOS 26, it’s possible that we are witnessing the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Musk’s companies and Apple. With iOS 26 offering enhanced security, privacy features, and AI-driven innovations, Musk may see potential for collaboration rather than confrontation. It’s not far-fetched to speculate that Apple and Musk’s companies could explore partnerships in AI development, self-driving technologies, or even space exploration tools. This could mark a significant turning point in how the tech giants approach innovation and user security, potentially leading to more collaborative efforts in the future.