Background Information
Elon Musk is one of the world’s most renowned entrepreneurs and tech innovators. In 2017, he was ranked 21st on Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful people. He is most famous for the founding and funding of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, two groundbreaking companies that have revolutionized car manufacture and space exploration. Behind Musk’s meteoric success lies his extensive skill in information technology, which he has applied to his work in business and engineering. It is therefore of interest to many to find out which technology Musk uses himself. Does he use an Apple iPhone?
Musk’s Technology Preference
Musk is an Apple enthusiast, having owned many iPhone devices throughout his career. On the other hand, Musk is also a firm advocate of open source software, which is software whose source code is released publicly and can, therefore, be edited and developed by anyone. Open source software is free, as it does not need to go through the usual commercial development processes, though it often contains bugs as it is not tested for quality. His preference for open source software thus presents a dilemma for Musk regarding his choice of phone.
Musk’s Phone Usage
Though there is no definitive answer as to whether Musk uses an iPhone, current evidence leans towards the assumption that it is the case. Musk has been observed on occasion using his iPhone for public events and interviews, suggesting that he does indeed use Apple’s product. When questioned about which phone he uses, Musk has never answered definitively, instead providing more indirect answers such as “it’s the most advanced phone” when asked whether he preferred iPhones or Android smartphones.
Musk and Apple’s Software
Though Musk is known to prefer open source software, he has found ways to incorporate this software into Apple’s products. When Apple released the iPhone in 2007, Musk was quick to begin developing applications for it, including a virtual piano app and a currency converter. He also developed an app with which users can track the progress of SpaceX rockets, which quickly rose to the top five apps available on the App Store.
Advantages of Owning an iPhone
For a tech innovator like Musk, owning an iPhone could bring with it a number of advantages. Firstly, owning an iPhone would enable him to remain up to date with emerging trends in the tech industry. Secondly, owning an iPhone would allow him access to Apple’s vast library of applications, which could aid in the development of his projects, particularly Spaces. Additionally, owning an iPhone would allow Musk to take advantage of the cutting-edge hardware capabilities of the device and the vast range of features offered by the Apple operating system.
Critics of the iPhone
Though iPhones can offer impressive features and capabilities, there is a myriad of critics of the device which Musk should consider. First of all, iPhones are often criticized for their lack of privacy given their ability to access a user’s personal data. In addition, iPhones are among the most expensive smartphones available, making them inaccessible for many. Additionally, iPhones users have found that the device can be particularly prone to bugs and crashes, making it unreliable.
Apple’s Security
When considering which phone to use, security should play a key role in the decision-making process. Apple’s iPhones are renowned for their security, with the company making use of secure hardware and a range of security tools such as Face ID and secure-coding practices. Additionally, iPhone models are often ahead of the curve when it comes to being resilient against malware and cyber-attacks.
Influence on Others
Should Musk choose to use an iPhone, he would be in good company, with other leading figures in the world of technology such as Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, and Mark Zuckerberg all being iPhone owners. His example may even encourage others to switch to iPhone, as many people are likely to respect his opinion on the matter.
Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use an iPhone is a personal one, with Musk likely considering the advantages and disadvantages both to himself and for any potential users that may take his advice. With Apple continuing to create more advanced devices with additional security features, it would seem that there is no better time for Musk to make an informed decision on which device to use.
