Is Starlink phone coming? Here is what Elon Musk has to say about it

A few days ago, tech billionaire Elon Musk stated that he was open to making a Starlink-branded phone in the near future. However, the SpaceX CEO has now refuted reports suggesting that such a device was in the works. So, you may need to wait for much longer before you can potentially use a smartphone created by Elon Musk.

On X, a user shared details from a Reuters report suggesting that Musk’s SpaceX could build a Starlink device. However, the tech billionaire categorically denied these claims. He wrote, “We are not developing a phone.”

According to the initial report, 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 via a network of thousands of low-orbit earth satellites.

Starlink is reportedly the main revenue driver for SpaceX, accounting for around 50 to 80 per cent of all revenue for the aerospace firm. Last year, Starlink reported a profit of $8 billion. SpaceX recently merged with xAI. The company is also tipped to release an Initial Public Offering (IPO) later this year.

What did Elon Musk say about a Starlink phone?

A few days ago, Elon Musk mentioned that he was open to the possibility of creating a Starlink phone. The SpaceX CEO had replied to a post on X that had suggested this idea.

Though Musk had hinted that this was something he may consider in the future, he did not mention that such a device was in the works. He wrote at the time, “Not out of the question at some point.”

Additionally, the tech billionaire also gave away some of his ideas for what a Starlink phone might turn out to be. According to Musk, a Starlink phone would be far different from iPhones or Android smartphones that we use today. Instead, SpaceX would focus more on on-device artificial intelligence. He explained "Optimised purely for running max performance/watt neural nets.”

Why a Starlink phone might still make sense

Musk may have written off the possibility of a Starlink phone right now. But such a device may work out for SpaceX in the future, as a way to diversify its portfolio.

Starlink currently 9 million users worldwide. The service not only has partnerships with over 30 airlines but also supports various government and military contracts

The company’s growing product portfolio also includes new initiatives like Stargaze, a space-tracking service, and direct-to-device internet via partnerships such as those with T-Mobile. In the past, SpaceX has also filed trademarks for "Starlink Mobile" and patents related to improved connectivity.

Though, for now, the company’s primary focus appears to be expanding satellite-based services and infrastructure. Musk has previously written that the ultimate aim is to "deliver full cellular coverage everywhere on Earth."