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| The Apple iPhone 17 Pro shown can already connect to Starlink satellites, but only in the US |
Forget searching for a signal. Imagine sending a text from the middle of a national park, checking a map on a remote trail, or even making a call from a desert highway—all without a single cell tower in sight. This isn't science fiction; it’s the future SpaceX is actively building with its Starlink satellite network. And now, the company’s ambitions are pointing squarely at your pocket, with the development of a dedicated Starlink smartphone.
From iPhones to a "Made-by-SpaceX" Mobile
The groundwork is already being laid. In the United States, SpaceX, in partnership with T-Mobile, has successfully trialed a service called "Coverage Above and Beyond." This initial phase allowed modified iPhones to send and receive text messages directly via Starlink’s orbiting satellites. The promised roadmap is ambitious: moving beyond texts to offer basic web browsing and eventually, satellite phone calls, creating a lifeline that operates independently of traditional ground-based cellular infrastructure.
But SpaceX isn't stopping at being a mere service provider for other companies' hardware. According to a Reuters exclusive report, which cited three individuals familiar with the project, SpaceX has taken the next logical step: it is currently developing its own smartphone.
Details on launch timelines and specs remain shrouded in secrecy. However, a statement from CEO Elon Musk provides a tantalizing clue about its philosophy. He suggests a Starlink phone would be a radical departure from current devices, engineered "from the ground up to deliver the highest possible AI performance per watt." This implies a device where powerful AI models run locally on the phone itself, potentially offering unprecedented on-device intelligence and capabilities, all while optimizing battery life—a critical consideration for satellite communication.
Why a Phone? The Starlink Revenue Engine
The strategic move into hardware makes clear business sense. As Reuters analysis reveals, the Starlink satellite internet division has become the financial powerhouse of SpaceX, accounting for a staggering up to 80% of the company’s total revenue. A proprietary smartphone is a direct channel to onboard more customers into the Starlink ecosystem, creating a seamless, end-to-end service controlled entirely by SpaceX.
The potential appeal is significant for a key demographic: global travelers. A Starlink phone coupled with a simple, flat-rate plan for worldwide data could eliminate the persistent headache of international roaming charges. The promise of ubiquitous coverage, from mountain peaks to open seas, is a powerful differentiator.
However, the market is evolving. As one industry analyst noted, "The success of such a service wouldn't just hinge on technology, but on price competitiveness. The rise of affordable eSIMs and global data packages has made staying connected abroad easier than ever. SpaceX would need to offer compelling value to convince people to switch devices entirely."
Indeed, the challenge will be to balance cutting-edge satellite capability with the everyday features users expect from a premium smartphone, all at a palatable price point. Can SpaceX create a device that is both a superior satellite communicator and a rival to the everyday iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?
The Bigger Picture: Connecting the Unconnected
Beyond the buzz of a new gadget, the project underscores a broader mission. As detailed in a comprehensive look at the company's growth trajectory, Starlink fuels SpaceX growth with potential phone, more internet services. A satellite-native smartphone represents the ultimate expression of SpaceX's goal to blanket the Earth in connectivity. It’s a vision that aims to render "no service" a relic of the past, bridging digital divides and providing a reliable link in every corner of the globe.
While the launch date, design, and final specs of the Starlink phone are still mysteries, one thing is certain: SpaceX is not just aiming to connect your phone to satellites. It’s betting it can reinvent the phone itself. The race to build the ultimate global communicator is officially on.