Elon Musk's artificial intelligence initiative, Grok AI, has been housed within the X social media platform for nearly two years. Now, Musk is taking a significant step to establish Grok AI as a standalone product through a new dedicated app, which has debuted exclusively on the iOS platform. This marks the first time xAI, Musk's AI-focused company, is moving its flagship chatbot outside the bounds of X.
Grok AI Now Has a Standalone App Exclusive on iOS
Grok AI's new standalone app aims to offer users a refined and focused experience, separate from the social media functionalities of X. Available initially for iOS, the app allows users to access its features through various sign-in options, including email, Apple accounts, and X credentials.
According to a report by CNET, the standalone app highlights xAI's intention to deliver a more personalized and independent AI experience. The platform features the latest iteration of Grok, known as Grok-2, which incorporates cutting-edge functionalities, including the Aurora image generator and other advanced capabilities tied to its subscription tiers.
While Grok AI retains its core chatbot features — answering questions and generating creative outputs — the app represents a shift away from its previous reliance on X, signaling a move to establish a distinct identity in the competitive AI market.
Grok 2 Is Available to Access for Free on iOS
The new Grok app is available for free download on the Apple App Store and is compatible with iPhones and iPads running iOS 17 or iPadOS 17. Users can create accounts or log in using existing methods without subscribing to a paid plan, unlike earlier iterations tied to X Premium services.
This accessibility departs from the app's initial rollout in late 2023 when Grok was available exclusively to X Premium+ users with limited usage tokens. Over time, xAI expanded access to include more users before making it freely available in December.
xAI's Grok AI Chatbot Is Stepping Up
Grok AI represents a significant milestone for xAI and Musk's broader ambitions in artificial intelligence. Initially launched as a feature within X, Grok has undergone significant evolution, overcoming early challenges such as misinformation and hallucinations — common pitfalls for AI chatbots.
Musk has acknowledged Grok's imperfections but emphasized that the technology is in its infancy. With continuous updates, including the rollout of Grok-2 and the Aurora AI image generator, xAI aims to position Grok as a premier tool in the crowded AI landscape.
The launch of a dedicated app underscores xAI's commitment to refining the Grok experience and extending its reach. By detaching from X, Grok AI now stands as an independent offering, accessible to a broader audience.
