Speculation around a Starlink-branded smartphone has sparked fresh debate after Elon Musk recently addressed reports suggesting that SpaceX could be working on such a device. While the tech billionaire earlier hinted he was open to the idea, he has now firmly denied claims that a Starlink phone is currently under development.
The clarification comes amid growing interest in SpaceX’s expanding product ecosystem and Starlink’s rising importance as a revenue driver.
A few days ago, a user on X shared details from a Reuters report suggesting that SpaceX might build a Starlink phone. Elon Musk quickly shut down the speculation, responding clearly:
“We are not developing a phone.”
This statement directly contradicts claims that a Starlink smartphone project is actively underway, indicating that such a device is not part of SpaceX’s near-term plans.
Earlier reports suggested that launching a Starlink phone could help SpaceX expand its product lineup. Starlink is the company’s satellite internet service, delivering high-speed connectivity through thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites.
With Starlink now reportedly accounting for around 50 to 80 per cent of SpaceX’s total revenue, the idea of a Starlink-branded device naturally gained traction. Last year alone, Starlink posted a profit of $8 billion, underlining its financial strength.
Although Musk has denied any active development, he previously left the door slightly open.
Responding to a post on X that floated the idea of a Starlink phone, Musk wrote:
“Not out of the question at some point.”
However, he did not suggest that a phone was being designed or tested at the moment. Instead, he framed it as a potential long-term possibility rather than an imminent product.
Musk also shared how such a device—if ever created—would differ from today’s smartphones.
He explained that a Starlink phone would not aim to compete directly with iPhones or Android devices. Instead, it would focus on advanced on-device AI, describing it as:
“Optimised purely for running max performance/watt neural nets.”
This suggests a concept centred on efficiency and artificial intelligence rather than conventional smartphone features.
Even though Musk has ruled out a Starlink phone for now, analysts believe the idea could still align with SpaceX’s long-term strategy.
9 million users worldwide
Partnerships with over 30 airlines
Multiple government and military contracts
Direct-to-device internet initiatives, including partnerships with T-Mobile
New services like Stargaze, a space-tracking platform
SpaceX has also filed trademarks for “Starlink Mobile” and patents related to enhanced connectivity, indicating broader ambitions in mobile communication.
For now, SpaceX’s focus remains on scaling satellite-based services and infrastructure. Elon Musk has previously stated that the ultimate goal is to:
“deliver full cellular coverage everywhere on Earth.”
This vision may eventually reduce the need for a proprietary smartphone, instead allowing existing devices to connect directly to Starlink’s network.
SpaceX recently merged with xAI and is widely expected to launch an IPO later this year, adding further momentum to its expanding business operations. While a Starlink phone isn’t happening anytime soon, the company’s aggressive push into connectivity and AI keeps speculation alive.
Elon Musk has made it clear: there is no Starlink phone in development right now. However, his earlier comments suggest the idea isn’t completely off the table. As Starlink continues to grow and SpaceX broadens its ambitions, the possibility of a Starlink-branded device may resurface—just not anytime soon.