
If you're looking to find the best phone, you're likely to come across something like Apple's iPhone 14 Pro Max. Or, if the best Android phones are more your bag, you'll find devices like the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or the Google Pixel 7 Pro.
These days, you can even get a load of brilliant cheap phones, too. There, you'll find handsets like the Nothing Phone (1) and the OnePlus Nord CE2, which offer outstanding performance for unbelievable value.
The point is, there's already a lot of options when it comes to buying a phone, so news of another brand bringing out a smartphone is hardly headline worthy – particularly one that has absolutely no track record in the smartphone market.
What's that? Elon Musk is building a phone? Oh boy...
What is going on with Elon Musk?
If you've been living under a rock for a bit, you might be unaware that Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently purchased Twitter for an eye-watering $44 billion. That was just over a month ago now, though the ensuing saga feels like it's gone on for years.
The main points of note are this: Musk has gone on a bit of a sacking spree, clearing out the Twitter offices like Kim and Aggie. That caused Twitter and Tesla stock to decline.
Then, he decided that the verification process need changing, to make some money back. That's gone back and forth enough times to make your head spin, but the end result is that paying $8 for a Twitter Blue subscription now gets you a Twitter verified check. Within hours of the service going live, many had purchased a checkmark and duped famous personalities and companies, making audacious claims that looked very real. That caused pretty much every stock to decline.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Why is Musk building a phone?
Twitter is starting to resemble the Wild West right now. There seems to be floods of fake profiles and strange bot accounts. Accounts from people banned for inciting violence, racism and homophobia are being reinstated. It's not a pretty sight.
It's also not the kind of place you want to target your advertising. This has led Apple and Android to consider removing the app from their respective app stores.
And, when asked about it on Twitter, Musk responded confirming that he would build a phone "if there is no other choice."
Right-wing talk show host Liz Wheeler tweeted: "If Apple & Google boot Twitter from their app stores, [Elon Musk] should produce his own smartphone. Half the country would happily ditch the biased, snooping iPhone & Android. The man builds rockets to Mars, a silly little smartphone should be easy, right?"
Musk responded to her tweet, saying: "I certainly hope it does not come to that, but, yes, if there is no other choice, I will make an alternative phone."
And people were on board. Many responses suggested they would happily change tact and support a Tesla phone, should one come to fruition. Of course, this is just speculation right now, with no formal plans in the works. It's fair to say though, if Musk did want to enter the smartphone market, he'd at least have the financial acumen to do so.

Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Garmin’s on a mission to update your wrist into oblivion as 100+ tweaks land on Fenix and Enduro watches
The latest beta update looks comprehensive
By Matt Kollat Published
-
5 reasons you should be excited about the brand new Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra
Not sure if it’s obvious... but I can't wait to try it
By Lizzie Wilmot Published
-
Will there ever be a US-made iPhone?
It's something right-wing commentators have called for
By Sam Cross Published
-
New Google Messages feature will make millions very happy
It's going to end a serious messaging blight
By Sam Cross Published
-
Is the cost of my iPhone going up? Everything we know about the effects of tariffs on tech
It's an uncertain time for tech fans, with predictions not looking good for the price of phones, laptops and more in the US and beyond
By Sam Cross Published
-
In an age of exciting upgrades, Google could downgrade the Pixel 10 instead
There’s a change coming to the Pixel cameras and it could cause a stir
By Chris Hall Published
-
AirPods Max finally get the great free upgrade Apple promised
Here's how to make sure your headphones are running the right firmware
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Apple TV gets a free update that makes it more simple to use
Apple has released tvOS 18.4 with a few design tweaks for its TV boxes
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold renders show an early contender for foldable of the year
Even though it might not be the slimmest, it could be the sexiest
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Your iPhone gets some new tricks - here’s what it can do now
The new emojis and priority notifications are probably our favourite
By Britta O'Boyle Published