What type of phone does Elon Musk use?
In one of the most compelling rags-to-riches stories of our time, Elon Musk has forged a remarkable career as one of the preeminent minds of our generation. A business magnate, investor, engineer, and inventor, he is best known as the founder and CEO of Tesla Motors, SpaceX, The Boring Company and Neuralink.
His career accomplishments and stellar professional qualifications render Musk highly influential in the technology world and people far and wide are keen to know which smartphone he opts to use.
The answer might surprise many, for Elon Musk is a die-hard Blackberry user. His love for the brand is so great that he doesn’t even show any signs of moving to more cutting-edge technology, despite the far higher user rate of iPhone and Android devices.
Musk’s preference for the Blackberry earned him considerable attention in the tech world when he shared a tweet in 2011 that read, “Using a Blackberry Bold. Gr8 for email. prefer physical keyboard”.
And Musk’s Twitter profile still carries the message of his allegiance to the now rather outdated line of Blackberry smartphones. It reads, “I still use a Blackberry”.
Why do such a successful and forward-thinking CEO and tech titan continue to rely on an older-model smartphone? One explanation is that he has been known to use multiple devices (including Blackberrys and iPhones) for different purposes — but he also refuses to give up his Sesame-street-esque smartphone.
Speaking at Tesla’s Battery Day event in 2020, Musk toted a Blackberry on the stage. It was worn, scuffed and perhaps the same model he has carried since the early 2000s. It was the type of device he’s used to reply to emails while driving and doing other tech endeavors.
However, with the increasing popularity of sophisticated mobile apps today, many continue to wonder why Elon Musk rejects modern-day devices. Former NASA Systems Engineer Andy Sachs offers some clarity into Musk’s decision-making process: “He prefers the Blackberry, probably due to the way it functions and the fact that it seems to inspire clarity, efficiency and practicality — characteristics which epitomize the approaches of Elon Musk’s projects.”
Some critics, namely tech readers, suggest that Musk’s choice of Blackberrys suggests his lack of enthusiasm for technology in general. But Linda Sharkey, a Senior Associate at the Harvard Kennedy School disagrees. “By no means does his affection for the Blackberry represent a disinterest in tech. He is a man that personally uses cutting-edge technology, drives intuitive products and bets big on the future. He just prefers the good old Blackberry.”
How has Blackberry influenced Elon Musk?
Elon Musk’s affinity for the Blackberry is not just strong but very personal in nature. Having used the device since the early 2000s, Musk claims that it has influenced him in several ways.
In 2013, he stated that the Blackberry enabled him to get more things done instead of having to sift through hundreds of apps in an effort to achieve a particular task. As so seen in an interview that year, he noted, “I don’t have to tap a screen or menu-dig to get to things. I could get everything done at a much faster rate if it’s physical buttons instead of these little tiny screen taps.”
Musk’s statement is a testament to his appreciation for multitasking in an efficient and speedy manner, part of what defines his success. In addition, Musk recognizes the fact that Blackberrys feature customized, complementary keyboards for typing, a feature that iPhones and Androids have yet to deem essential and implemet.
Whether it’s his love of physical keyboards, lightning-fast swap between tasks, or general familiarity with the platform, Musk’s Blackberry has had a significant and influential role on his life.
What other phones has Elon Musk owned?
Elon Musk may be loyal to the Blackberry, but he also owns other devices such as the iPhone. He has admitted to using the iPhone to access business related apps and other tech services he cannot access on the Blackberry.
In addition, he is said to have owned the Samsung Galaxy device – a “safe bet” for any businessman due to its affordability and streamlined design. Other than that, it is assumed that Musk’s ownership of the Galaxy device is purely for testing purposes; Musk has yet to publicly comment on the matter.
Since 2007 Musk has also owned a Nokia 5310 Express Music model. Its small design enables him to access its considerable music-playing capabilities. Musk has joked that its low price is “perfect for him” due to his penchant for splurging on futuristic projects.
In his pursuit of technological vision, Musk appears to be taking a more practical approach when it comes to his own smartphone choices.
What features do Blackberrys offer that other phones do not?
Blackberrys offer a few advantages that other smartphones cannot match, the foremost being its keyboard. Its mobile devices come with physical keyboards often larger than those on other phones. This not only makes typing out words considerably easier, but faster. It also eases the stress of typos and incorrect auto-corrections.
In addition, Blackberrys allow users to multitask faster than ever. The ability to switch between apps quickly provides an edge in terms of productivity. The good old Blackberry also allows users to access more features than most other devices, including wi-fi streaming which can reduce data usage.
Moreover, its security features are more resilient than other phones. Blackberrys feature built-in encryption to keep personal and work information secure, an essential feature for any business professional.
It is easy to see why Elon Musk opts for a Blackberry despite its limited capabilities in comparison to leading devices from other brands. It allows him to work quickly and efficiently, a must for a man with a worldwide portfolio of projects and investments.
Has Blackberry been able to remain relevant due to Elon Musk’s influence?
It is hard to say whether Elon Musk’s influence has been a major factor in Blackberry’s success. The company has continued to suffer losses over the years and Blackberry devices, for the most part, remain unpopular in modern-day tech.
Though, to Musk’s fans, his preference for the Blackberry might have reminded them that the brand still exists and offers something of value to users. As such, this could be considered a resounding endorsement and a significant testament to the quality of those devices, whether they remain popular or not.
Furthermore, there was a period of time when Musk’s connection to the Blackberry brand was so great that a speculation frenzy happened and investors forced the Blackberry stock up by 15% over the span of three days.
Though, it’s important to point out that Musk’s influence and his preference for the Blackberry is rather minuscule compared to the problems the tech giant has faced in recent years.
What implications does Musk’s preference have for tech investing?
Amidst the various implications Elon Musk’s preference for the Blackberry has largely only affected itself. While the company may have gained some slight reprieve due to Musk’s endorsement, this has likely been rather insignificant.
However, what Musk’s tech-related decisions have possibly had a larger impact on investing is his endorsements of Bitcoin and Tesla. While his personal use of the Blackberry has been a subject of interest, his decisions to invest or not invest in certain technologies has been far more influential.
Though his Blackberry may appear to be a relic from an ancient tech world, it’s wise to remember that he has been a serious investor in disruptive technologies for much longer.
When it comes to his investments in Tesla and Bitcoin, the market analysts and investors alike seem more keen to interpret Musk’s decisions as much as his preferences.
Final thoughts
Elon Musk has not only used but remained loyal to the Blackberry brand since early 2000s. Whether it is due to its physical keyboard, the capability of multitasking, or the fortification of its security features, there is much to appreciate with this phone.
At the same time, it’s important to remember Musk’s various projects, investments, and initiatives. While the Blackberry continues to occupy a soft spot in his heart, what matters more are the risks and decisions he makes in tech as a whole.
