A recent claim went viral on social media, suggesting that Elon Musk's Starlink is developing a smartphone for the market and is preparing to launch its own smartphones. However, Elon Musk addressed the speculation directly, putting an end to the rumours through a post on X (formerly Twitter). The SpaceX CEO clarified that Starlink is not currently making any smartphones.
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How the speculation started
The speculation gained momentum after a user named Mark Kretschmann posted on X, claiming that Starlink could develop smartphones to support satellite internet expansion. The discussion intensified because earlier in 2024, Elon Musk had expressed interest in making smartphones during a town hall event in Pennsylvania. Following that statement, speculation grew over whether Musk’s companies might enter the smartphone market.
Musk later ended the speculation by posting on X. Earlier, in a podcast, he had also said that if companies like Apple and Google act as gatekeepers, such as by banning legal apps, then Tesla could consider making smartphones.
Starlink’s current focus remains on connectivity
Starlink provides SpaceX’s satellite internet service worldwide, with millions of users benefiting from it. It is also a major source of revenue for SpaceX, contributing significantly to the company’s overall earnings. Over the past few years, Starlink has expanded beyond home internet services to provide connectivity for airlines, ships, and government agencies.
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According to sources, even without making its own phones, SpaceX is working on ways to bring direct satellite connectivity to existing smartphones. The company has partnered with telecom firms such as T-Mobile to enable direct satellite communication on devices. For now, the focus remains on improving Starlink’s satellite network and expanding coverage.
