Michael Reed Persistent rumors on social media claim that the automotive giant is set to launch a revolutionary phone. This is not true. For months, the global geek community has been abuzz with speculation: a Tesla smartphone with groundbreaking features is expected to finally emerge. Dubbed the “Tesla Model Pi 5G” as of 2023 or simply “Tesla Model Pi” in recent weeks, the phone named after the car manufacturer has already been titled before it even exists. And for good reason, although Elon Musk has never hidden his fondness for merchandise, boasting items such as shorts, beer, surfboards, and tequila, the launch of a smartphone has never been confirmed. Speaking on American podcaster Joe Rogan’s show in November, the billionaire entrepreneur even nearly put an end to the rumor. DEBUNKING THE MYTH For several months, X accounts worldwide have been claiming that Tesla is about to debut its very first smartphone. Often driven by Tesla fans and admirers of Elon Musk in general, these accounts naturally hype up the extraordinary features of this future smartphone. Rechargeable by sunlight, directly connected to the Starlink satellite constellation, a free subscription to X, and optimum personal data protection, the Tesla phone would soon be available for $299, just under 283 euros. No Tesla Smartphone For Now However, its price, features, and very reality are, for the time being, purely speculative. It was Elon Musk himself who ultimately dismissed the rumor on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” hosted by the namesake podcaster. In an episode that lasted nearly 2.5 hours, streamed on November 4th on YouTube, Joe Rogan finally broached the topic of a potential smartphone in the Tesla lineup with Elon Musk. “It’s not something we want to do, unless we’re forced to,” the CEO responded. Elon Musk when asked by Joe Rogan in new interview if @Tesla is going to make a phone: “No we’re not doing a phone. We could do a phone; but it’s not something we want to do unless we have to.” pic.twitter.com/m5QoWzVl0i