In August, Elon Musk’s xAI promised that Grok, its flagship generative AI model driving several features on X (formerly Twitter), would soon be accessible via an API. That API is now live, although it’s still in a fairly basic state for the moment.
At launch, the xAI API offers just one model: “grok-beta.” It’s priced at $5 per million input tokens (equivalent to about 750,000 words) or $15 per million output tokens. Tokens, for those unfamiliar, are like smaller bits of data, much like the syllables “fan,” “tas,” and “tic” that make up the word “fantastic.”
There’s some mystery around which Grok model “grok-beta” actually represents. Grok 2 is the latest model available on X, and the API documentation mentions Grok 2 as well as Grok mini, a cheaper, lighter version. It’s possible this “beta” is a technical placeholder for one of them.
A few users on X have already run into issues when trying to purchase usage credits, adding a layer of frustration to the rollout.
The xAI API includes support for function calling, which lets Grok connect to external tools, like databases or search engines. Although not yet active, the documentation also suggests the future introduction of vision models, which would be capable of analyzing both text and images.
Musk founded xAI last year, and shortly afterward, the company moved into OpenAI’s former offices. Its first Grok model was introduced to X Premium+ users, who pay $16 a month for exclusive access.
What sets Grok apart, according to Musk, is its “rebellious streak”—it’s designed to tackle more controversial or edgy topics that other AI systems might shy away from. For example, it won’t hesitate to use profanities or dive into colorful language if prompted, a contrast to the more restrained behavior of models like ChatGPT.
Grok’s role on X has been expanding. It can now generate images through a partnership with Flux, although its lack of content moderation has sparked some controversy. It also summarizes news and trending topics (sometimes inaccurately) and might soon improve search features, account bios, and other aspects of the platform’s functionality.
xAI is racing to compete with heavyweights like OpenAI and Anthropic in the generative AI space. Earlier this year, xAI raised $6 billion from major investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, and Fidelity.
Musk often touts X’s data as a key advantage, allowing xAI to outpace rivals. In fact, X recently updated its privacy policy, permitting third-party entities, including xAI, to use posts for model training.
In its pitch for funding, xAI outlined a plan to train its models using data from Musk’s other companies—Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company—potentially enhancing technology across all those businesses.
However, not everyone is on board. Some Tesla shareholders have sued Musk, accusing him of diverting valuable resources and talent from Tesla to focus on xAI, which they see as a competing interest.
Musk shared this summer that xAI is developing its next Grok models at a data center in Memphis. That facility has faced criticism for contributing to local air pollution, with unauthorized turbines worsening smog. xAI is hoping to upgrade the center next year, but it will need regulatory approval from the Tennessee Valley Authority to proceed.
