Is Starlink phone coming? What does Elon Musk say about this
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has dismissed claims of making a Starlink phone soon. Musk’s comments come just days after he hinted at what such a device might look like.
A few days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk had said that he is ready to make Starlink-branded phones in the near future. However, the SpaceX CEO has now denied reports that such a device was in the works. So, you may potentially have to wait longer before you can use a smartphone created by Elon Musk.
On X, a user shared details from a Reuters report suggesting that Musk’s SpaceX may be building a Starlink device. However, the tech billionaire categorically denied these claims. “We are not developing any phone,” he wrote.
According to initial reports, a Starlink phone would allow SpaceX to further expand its product lineup. Starlink is SpaceX’s satellite internet service that provides users with high-speed connectivity through a network of thousands of low-orbit Earth satellites.
Starlink is reportedly the main revenue driver for SpaceX, accounting for about 50 to 80 percent of all the aerospace firm’s revenue. Last year, Starlink reported a profit of $8 billion. SpaceX recently merged with xAI. The company is also preparing to launch an initial public offering (IPO) later this year.
What did Elon Musk say about Starlink phone?
A few days ago, Elon Musk had mentioned that he is open to the possibility of building a Starlink phone. The CEO of SpaceX responded to a post on X that suggested the idea.
Although Musk hinted that this is something he might consider in the future, he did not mention whether such a device was in the works. “At some point it is not out of the question,” he wrote at the time.
Additionally, the tech billionaire also gave some of his ideas for what a Starlink phone could be like. According to Musk, a Starlink phone would be quite different from the iPhone or Android smartphones we use today. Instead, SpaceX will focus more on on-device artificial intelligence. They report that it is “fully optimized to run maximum performance/watt neural nets.”
Why a Starlink phone might still make sense
Musk may have just dismissed the possibility of a Starlink phone. But such a device could serve as a way for SpaceX to diversify its portfolio in the future.
Starlink currently has 9 million users worldwide. The service not only has partnerships with over 30 airlines but is also supported by various government and military contracts
The company’s growing product portfolio also includes new initiatives such as Stargaze, a space-tracking service, and direct-to-device Internet through partnerships with T-Mobile. In the past, SpaceX has also filed a trademark for “Starlink Mobile” and a patent related to improved connectivity.
However, the company’s primary focus right now appears to be expanding satellite-based services and infrastructure. Musk has previously written that the ultimate aim is to “provide full cellular coverage everywhere on Earth.”
