Elon Musk reportedly plans Starlink phone with satellite connectivity

SpaceX has been experimenting with connecting smartphones to the Starlink satellite network. In the US, a trial run involved iPhones on the T-Mobile network that could send and receive text messages via Starlink satellites. In theory, this system is even supposed to offer web browsing and phone calls without relying on a traditional cellular network.

As Reuters has learned from three separate sources, SpaceX is currently developing its own smartphone. For now, there are no further details on when this "Starlink phone" could launch or what kind of specifications it will offer. According to a statement from SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, a Starlink smartphone would differ significantly from existing handsets and would be designed from the ground up to deliver the highest possible AI performance per watt so AI models can run locally.

A Starlink phone would likely try to bring more customers onto Elon Musk’s satellite network, especially since Starlink is responsible for up to 80% of SpaceX’s total revenue, according to Reuters. For frequent travelers, a Starlink phone could be appealing if the company can offer a plan that provides worldwide internet access without any roaming charges. However, since traveling abroad with a phone has already become relatively simple and affordable thanks to eSIM providers, the success of such a service would likely depend on the price point.