Is Starlink really making a phone? Elon Musk says no, but hints at a ‘different device’ with AI powers
Elon Musk has denied a report that SpaceX is building a phoneHowever, Musk outlined his ideas of what a Starlink device could look likeHe added that future phones will be AI-first devices
Elon Musk's rocket firm SpaceX already has a fleet of Starlink satellites in orbit that provide internet connectivity around the world. Could the next logical step be for the company to sell a satellite phone? Musk has now denied fresh rumors from Reuters sources claiming it is, but there are hints that SpaceX could still be considering an satellite-connected AI device.
Citing “sources familiar with the matter,” Reuters reports that SpaceX has plans for “a Starlink phone, direct-to-device internet and a space-tracking service.” The phone could help SpaceX “expand its reach into new markets” and be part of the company’s plans to “build data centers that orbit Earth,” Reuters says.
Reuters pointed out that Starlink has been working with T-Mobile to deliver mobile signal between satellites and users’ devices. The outlet also noted that SpaceX has filed to trademark the “Starlink Mobile” name and that Musk himself has said one of the goals for SpaceX’s satellite-to-mobile service is to “deliver full cellular coverage everywhere on Earth.” These factors all seem to indicate SpaceX’s interest in mobile technology.
However, after the Reuters report was shared with him on X, Musk retorted that “we are not developing a phone.” Reading between the lines, Musk’s initial post could simply be outlining the kind of device he would like to develop in the future, with his second post clarifying that his companies are not actively developing such a product right now.
The phone of the future
Musk has previously been a little more nuanced in his denials about a Starlink phone. Posting on X on January 30, Musk said that a Starlink phone was “not out of the question at some point,” adding that “it would be a very different device than current phones.” The SpaceX chief said it would be “optimized purely for running max performance/watt neural nets,” referring to potential artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in October 2025, Musk also clarified his ideas surrounding mobile technology, stating it was his belief that “we’re not going to have a phone in the traditional sense. What we’ll call a phone will really be an edge node for AI inference with some radios to connect.” In other words, phones will not exist in the traditional sense – with operating systems and apps – but will instead essentially be vehicles for AI to create whatever it is you want to see or do, Musk argued.
Reuters contends that SpaceX “has had the mobile phone plans for years,” but what shape those plans will take is still unknown. Musk is evidently interested in the idea but sees a very different path compared to the device you might have in your pocket today.
Regardless of what SpaceX decides to do, the company has an active interest in providing satellite service to mobile users. Whether that will be the fullest extent of its mobile interests remains to be seen.
