Will There Be a Starlink Phone? Elon Musk Explains How It Would Differ From Android and iPhone

Elon Musk is known for juggling multiple high-profile ventures. From running Tesla and SpaceX to overseeing X (formerly Twitter) and his Artificial Intelligence startup xAI, the tech billionaire rarely shies away from ambitious ideas. Now, Musk has sparked fresh speculation by suggesting that he could one day introduce a smartphone — though not a conventional one.

Could Starlink Launch Its Own Smartphone?

The idea surfaced after a user on X posted, “Starlink phone would be so sick.” Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is a satellite-based internet service powered by hundreds of low-Earth orbit satellites, delivering high-speed connectivity across remote and urban regions alike.

Responding to the post, Musk appeared open to the possibility. “Not out of the question at some point,” he replied, hinting that Starlink could expand beyond internet services into hardware.

However, Musk made it clear that such a device would not be just another smartphone competing head-on with Apple or samsung.

A ‘Very Different’ Smartphone Concept

According to Musk, a potential Starlink phone would be fundamentally different from existing smartphones.

“It would be a very different device than current phones,” he explained, adding that it would be “specifically designed to run maximum performance per watt neural nets.”

This suggests a strong emphasis on on-device artificial intelligence, likely powered by advanced Neural Processing Units (NPUs). Unlike traditional smartphones that balance multiple tasks, such a device would prioritize AI efficiency, performance, and power optimization.

While Musk did not share any timeline or concrete development plans, the comments align with his broader push toward AI-driven hardware and software ecosystems.

Musk’s Pattern of Unexpected Moves

This is not the first time Musk has floated unexpected business ideas in public. Just last week, following an online exchange with Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary, Musk jokingly expressed interest in acquiring the European airline.

The exchange began after O’Leary dismissed Musk’s proposal to equip Ryanair aircraft with Starlink internet, reportedly calling him a “fool.” Musk responded with his trademark mix of humor and ambition.

While a Starlink phone remains speculative for now, Musk’s comments once again demonstrate his willingness to challenge established industries — from cars and social media to AI, satellites, and potentially smartphones.