New Delhi: Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and X, has once again fuelled speculation about venturing into the smartphone arena.
In a recent exchange on X, the billionaire responded to a user’s excitement over a potential Starlink-branded phone, saying it is “not out of the question at some point.”
The conversation began when a user praised the idea of a Starlink phone, leveraging SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service for seamless global connectivity. Musk replied affirmatively but clarified that any such device would diverge sharply from today’s smartphones. “It would be a completely unique device than current phones,” he wrote. “Optimised purely for running max performance/watt neural nets.”
This emphasis on maximum performance per watt for neural networks highlights a focus on AI efficiency — likely centred on powerful on-device neural processing units (NPUs) to handle intensive AI tasks with minimal energy use. Rather than competing on cameras, apps, or traditional features, the hypothetical device could serve as an AI edge node, integrating deeply with everyday intelligence, satellite connectivity, and perhaps even future Neuralink synergies.
This isn’t Musk’s first flirtation with the idea. Rumours of a “Tesla Phone” have circulated for years, often featuring Starlink integration for no-dead-zone coverage. In 2024, Musk dismissed active development, stating he hoped never to make one unless forced by app censorship from rivals like Apple or Google. Yet, his latest comments suggest openness if the concept aligns with revolutionary AI and connectivity goals.
As Starlink’s direct-to-cell service expands — enabling existing phones to connect via satellite — a purpose-built Musk device could redefine mobility. For the present, it’s just a tantalising hint from a man whose ambitions rarely stay grounded.