Gerber Kawasaki CEO Suggests Starlink Could Challenge iPhone with AI Phone

Tesla bull and CEO of Gerber Kawasaki, Ross Gerber has suggested that Elon Musk’s Starlink could one day launch a device which will be capable of challenging Apple’s iPhone dominance, according to a repot by Benzinga. But users quickly countered him saying Google Pixel smartphones already deliver much of that functionality. In post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Gerber wrote that Starlink has an opportunity to create “truly great AI phone” built around satellite connectivity, exceptional battery life, and an AI-first operating system. “Tell the phone what you want it to do and it does it for you,” he said, before asking: “Who will make a real AI phone first?”

Google Pixel users push back

When one pointed out that Google Pixel smartphones already offer Gemini-powered voice commands and satellite communication features, Gerber dismissed the claim. “You can tell if you want a pizza from Prince Street at 6 p.m. and it happens? No,” he replied. Pixel owners argued that Gemini can already handle most of the workflow Gerber described — opening food delivery apps, locating restaurants, adding items to a cart, and navigating the ordering process. The only step requiring user input is payment authorization, a safeguard against unintended purchases.

Google’s AI-first pixel strategy

Google has heavily promoted AI across its latest Pixel lineup. The Pixel 10, powered by the Tensor G5 chip, runs advanced Gemini AI experiences directly on-device. Features include:

Magic Cue app-aware assistance

Real-time language translation

Gemini Live visual guidance

AI-powered writing tools

Apple’s market dominance

The debate comes as Apple faces scrutiny over its AI strategy following mixed reactions to recent Siri AI announcements. Despite this, Apple remains the dominant smartphone vendor in the U.S., holding 61.51% market share in May 2026, compared with Samsung’s 20.74% and Google’s 3.86%. Apple reported $56.99 billion in iPhone revenue for its fiscal second quarter, up from $46.84 billion a year earlier, underscoring its continued strength in the market.

Musk’s Starlink phone hints

Musk himself hinted earlier this year that a Starlink smartphone could eventually emerge, potentially leveraging satellite connectivity and AI integration. While speculative, such a device could align with Musk’s broader vision of AI-driven consumer hardware.