Clearly, Elon Musk isn’t afraid of a challenge. In response to Wheeler’s tweet, Musk replied that “I certainly hope it does not come to that, but, yes, if there is no other choice, I will make an alternative phone.” That’s a big “if” of course, because it won’t be an easy decision for Apple or Google to kick one of the world’s biggest social media platforms off their respective app stores.

As for the reason why would they do it in the first place, there is fear that Musk’s “free speech absolutist” approach could turn Twitter into a free speech utopia — or a cesspool of hate and toxicity — depending on the person you’re asking. Since taking the helm at Twitter, Musk has welcomed back controversial figures like Donald Trump, and has publicly expressed disdain for permanent bans.

I certainly hope it does not come to that, but, yes, if there is no other choice, I will make an alternative phone

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 25, 2022

If bad actors start posting objectionable content that turns Twitter into a vitriolic online space like Parler, there’s definitely a chance that Twitter might be kicked off the App Store and Play Store for policy violations. Right now, Twitter appears to be heading into that direction, ever since Musk took over as the platform’s new CEO.

As for what a Musk-made phone might look like, the outspoken billionaire hasn’t been forthcoming. Still, with SpaceX Starlink at his command — and features like Apple’s satellite-based Emergency SOS making headlines this year — along with a fondness for crypto currencies, Musk could also call upon some battery wizardry borrowed from Tesla EVs. Nonetheless, as plenty of big companies (and billionaires) have previously discovered — yes, Amazon Fire Phone, we’re looking at you – making a smartphone that can eclipse iPhone and Android is far easier said than done.