Musk Hints Aiming at Smartphone Production

Elon Musk indicated he would reluctantly move into the smartphone-making business if Twitter was taken off Apple and Google’s app stores. Various media have speculated Apple and Google were mulling ditching Twitter due to potential violations of rules related to the distribution of content or any future changes in subscription options.

In the latest of a barrage of provocative messages posted on Twitter since taking over the company last month, Musk outlined he would resort to manufacturing his mobile phone should the app be removed from the official stores for Apple and Android-based devices. Responding to a question posed through the platform, he said: “I certainly hope it does not come to that, but, yes, if there is no other choice, I will make an alternative phone“.

The comment made a predictable splash on the platform, provoking comments from enthused fans and critics, and being picked up by several global news outlets. While the idea was backed by some online, large companies trying to push alternative operating systems have struggled in the past. Notably, these include Microsoft with its now defunct Windows Phone and BlackBerry OS, which was used in devices under the same brand before it abandoned its devices business.