In a world of super think and sleep glass slabs, one accessory is bringing back the satisfying heft of a classic telephone handset. The Native Union Pop Phone is a quirky, retro gadget that plugs directly into your smartphone for a dose of pure nostalgia.
Umm, what?
Pop Phone. | Image credit — Native Union
Remember the satisfying feeling of holding a real phone receiver? The company Native Union sure does and it has brought back its iconic Pop Phone: a colorful, retro handset that plugs into your modern smartphone or laptop. Inspired by the classic 1950s Bakelite phone, this accessory is all about making conversations feel more intentional and, well, fun.
It’s a simple idea that’s surprisingly popular. You just plug the handset into your device’s USB-C port and start talking—no pairing or charging required. It’s a direct shot of nostalgia that turns heads and makes phone calls an event again.
Pop Phone features
Connectivity: USB-C (compatible with iPhone 15 and newer, and other modern devices).
Audio: Features a high-quality speaker and microphone with noise-reduction technology.
Design: Ergonomic, retro design available in a variety of colors.
Convenience: Includes a built-in button to pick up and hang up calls.
Materials: Made from recycled plastics.
Why is this thing even relevant?
Pop Phone. | Image credit — Native Union
Let's be honest, this is less about utility and more about a vibe. The Pop Phone taps directly into the growing "digital detox" and retro tech trend. Recently, we've seen a surge in devices trying to recreate the "dumb phone" experience, like the Light Phone II, the Punkt MP02, and various Nokia flip hones that have seen a sudden resurgence.
These devices ask you to fully disconnect. The Pop Phone, however, offers a playful compromise. It's lets you have your retro cake and eat it too, getting a more focused conversation experience without ditching your apps.
This trend of "what's old is new again" is hitting a fever pitch. On TikTok, you can find videos of kids earnestly "inventing" the idea of a shared phone line permanently installed in a house — which is, you know, a landline. To a generation that never had one, it's a novel concept. The Pop Phone captures that same energy; it's a rediscovered artifact for a digital native world, a statement piece that's delightfully analog.
Are you into "Retro Tech"?
Yes
83.33%
No
16.67%
Honestly, it's delightfully ridiculous
My first thought seeing the Pop Phone was, "Why?" But the more I see younger generations romanticize old tech, the more I get it. It’s a fun, unserious accessory in a world of overly serious tech. It’s for the person who finds the "invention" of the landline on TikTok hilarious but isn't actually going to install one.
Would I use it for all my calls? Probably not. But I could see a world where I would use it in lieu of a headset for customer service calls at my desk, if that were an option and what I did for a living. I see it as an option for the fashion-forward tech user, the nostalgic GenXer, or the student who wants to add a pop of color and personality to their dorm room setup. It’s a reminder that technology doesn’t always have to be about sleek minimalism; sometimes, it can just be about fun.
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Johanna 'Jojo the Techie' is a skilled mobile technology expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience, specializing in the Google ecosystem and Pixel devices. Known for her user-friendly approach, she leverages her vast tech support background to provide accessible and insightful coverage on latest technology trends. As a recognized thought leader and former member of #TeamPixel, Johanna ensures she stays at the forefront of Google services and products, making her a reliable source for all things Pixel and ChromeOS.
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