This Tech Entrepreneur's $49 Phone Could Change Your Life—Are You Ready to Unplug?

In an age where smartphones dominate our daily lives, a new product is making waves by tapping into nostalgia. Entrepreneur Cat Goetze recently launched a landline-style phone that has quickly captured consumer attention, generating an impressive $120,000 in sales within just three days of its debut. This surge in interest reflects a growing trend among individuals seeking to reduce their screen time and reconnect with simpler forms of communication.

Goetze, known online as CatGPT, embarked on this journey two years ago out of frustration with her own smartphone dependency. "I was kind of just sitting around [thinking] it’d be so cute if we still had landline phones and you could twirl the cord and talk with your friends. That just felt nostalgic and chic to me," she shared in an interview with CNBC Make It.

Realizing that reestablishing a landline connection would involve new phone numbers and service fees, Goetze took matters into her own hands. She transformed a vintage pink clamshell handset into a Bluetooth-compatible device, allowing her to connect it to her building's security system and make calls seamlessly. This quirky invention became a centerpiece in her home, sparking an idea that would evolve into a commercial venture.

Launched under the name Physical Phones, Goetze initially anticipated modest demand, expecting around 15 to 20 preorders when she showcased her creation online in July 2025. To her astonishment, the response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to sales exceeding 3,000 units and total revenue surpassing $280,000 by the end of October. "It literally felt like we had captured lightning in a bottle," Goetze remarked.

The Appeal of the Physical Phone

Currently, Physical Phones offers five distinct handset designs, priced between $90 and $110. Goetze has partnered with an electronics manufacturer to scale production, with initial shipments expected to start in December. The handsets connect to both iPhones and Android devices via Bluetooth, allowing them to ring in response to calls from popular applications, including WhatsApp, FaceTime, Instagram, and Snapchat. Users can make outgoing calls by dialing numbers directly or using the star (*) key to activate the device's voice assistant.

The success of Goetze's innovative product can be attributed to a burgeoning cultural movement pushing back against excessive screen time and digital fatigue. The pandemic, in particular, has intensified our reliance on smartphones, prompting many to seek ways to disconnect and reconnect with their immediate surroundings. "Our attention spans are shorter. We feel more anxious. We’re less present and unable to enjoy our lives. We’re going through a total loneliness epidemic," Goetze explained, underscoring a societal shift toward reducing digital engagement.

While acknowledging the benefits of technology, such as advancements in medicine and global connectivity, Goetze emphasizes the need for balance. "What brings us sustainable forms of energy and vaccines and a bunch of really good things for the world, but it’s like, OK, how do we live in harmony with it?" she stated. Her vision is to encourage users to reflect on their relationship with technology, advocating for a more mindful approach in an era defined by constant connectivity.

Goetze’s creation serves not only as a tool for communication but also as a symbol of a growing desire for simplicity in a world increasingly saturated with digital distractions. By tapping into nostalgia while offering modern functionality, Physical Phones invites users to rethink their communication habits and find joy in conversations that feel more personal and less influenced by screens.