Tesla on the smartphone market? Elon Musk responds cash

Rumors surrounding a hypothetical Tesla smartphone continue to fuel the web. Between sensationalist YouTube videos and fan speculation, not to mention some very questionable media, it became urgent to have a clear response from the main person concerned. This is now done thanks to the appearance of Elon Musk in the podcast Joe Rogan Experience.

The CEO of Tesla chose to be direct: yes, the company would have the capabilities to create an innovative smartphone, different from the iPhone and Android that currently dominate the market. But — and this is where it gets interesting — Tesla simply doesn’t see the point. At least, not at the moment.

A position that says a lot about Tesla’s strategy

Elon Musk’s statement is worth paying attention to: “ Tesla is better positioned than any other company in the world to create a new phone. » This statement, which might seem presumptuous, is not without meaning when we consider the technological expertise of the company. However, what happens next is even more revealing: Tesla will only do this if absolutely necessary.

The condition mentioned by Elon Musk is particularly interesting: it is only in the event of censorship or abuse of dominant position by Apple and Google that Tesla would consider embarking on the adventure. A position that perfectly reflects the company’s philosophy: innovate not for the sake of innovation, but to solve concrete problems.

This approach is consistent with Tesla’s history. The company launched into electric automobiles not to compete with traditional manufacturers, but to accelerate the transition to more sustainable transport. Likewise, its energy storage solutions meet a real need to optimize electricity consumption.

Does the smartphone market really need to be revolutionized?

Unlike the automotive sector fifteen years ago, the smartphone market works relatively well. Devices are efficient, ecosystems are mature, and innovations, although more marginal than before, continue to improve the user experience.

Perhaps therein lies the true wisdom of Tesla’s position: why attack a market that isn’t “broken”? The company’s resources are probably better spent developing solutions in areas that really need a revolution, such as sustainable transportation, self-driving cars, AI or energy storage.

For fans who dreamed of a Tesla smartphone, disappointment may be in store. But this decision reflects maturity, which is rather rare for Elon Musk lately.

If you really want a Tesla Phone, check out the Nio Phone.

To go further
Nio Phone: if this is the future of the “Tesla Phone”, then look forward to tomorrow