Fact Check: Is Musk's SpaceX developing Starlink phone to expand business before potential IPO?
WASHINGTON, DC: On Thursday, February 5, a rumor circulated across social media claiming that tech billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX is developing a Starlink phone to expand its satellite business before a massive potential IPO later in 2026.
As per the rumor, the device would connect directly to the Starlink satellite network, positioning SpaceX as a direct competitor to traditional smartphone manufacturers. But is there any truth to this? Let us find out below.
Claim: SpaceX developing Starlink phone
An X user @mark_k made a post on the social media platform that read, "SpaceX is reportedly developing a proprietary @Starlink phone to expand its satellite business ahead of a massive potential IPO later this year."
"According to a new report, the device would connect directly to the Starlink satellite network, positioning @SpaceX as a direct competitor to traditional smartphone manufacturers," the post added.
It further mentioned, "Elon Musk has described the concept as a 'very different' kind of hardware, optimized specifically for high-performance AI neural networks rather than standard app use."
The post concluded, "This hardware push is part of a broader strategy to diversify Starlink’s revenue, which already generates billions in profit, by adding direct-to-device internet and space-tracking services to its portfolio."
The post received more than 840,000 views, and more than 3,000 people liked the post at the time of filing this story.
Similarly, another X post mentioned, "SpaceX Tipped To Launch Its Own Starlink Phone As Elon Musk’s Ambitions Grow Ever Bolder."
Fact check: False, Elon Musk debunks the viral claim
The claims made in the online post are false, as Elon Musk commented on the viral post saying, "We are not developing a phone," and accused the news agency of lying 'relentlessly'.
This claim surfaced online following Musk's comment from late January 2026 that a Starlink phone was 'not out of the question at some point' but would need to be fundamentally different from existing smartphones. However, he has now shut down the idea entirely.
Interestingly, SpaceX is advancing direct-to-cell technology through partnerships like T-Mobile, which allows standard phones to connect to Starlink satellites for messaging, calls, and data in remote areas without new hardware.
However, based on Musk's direct statements, the specific claim of a branded Starlink phone appears unfounded.
Elon Musk says he has ‘not been to any of Epstein’s parties'
In a related development, Elon Musk has rejected claims linking him to Jeffrey Epstein and said in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he 'has not been to any Epstein's party" and has not been in "his plane or his island'.
The tech billionaire's statement followed media reports about a newly released set of Epstein-related documents published on January 30. The files suggested that the Tesla CEO exchanged messages with the disgraced financier in 2012 and 2013.
Of course.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2026
They are trying to deflect responsibility to me from the truly guilty. I have NOT been to any of Epstein’s party, his plane or his island.
But many others have. Those who have committed serious crimes need to be prosecuted.
Meanwhile, Musk said he has no connection to Epstein and wrote, "Of course. They are trying to deflect responsibility to me from the truly guilty."
He added, "I have NOT been to any of Epstein’s parties, his plane, or his island. But many others have. Those who have committed serious crimes need to be prosecuted."
