Retro-Style Bluetooth Landline Phone with WhatsApp Support Crosses ₹1 Crore in 3 Days

Nostalgia Meets Digital Minimalism

Goetze told CNBC Make It that her own smartphone overuse inspired the idea. She says she “missed the simplicity of old landlines – the physical ring, the coiled cord, real conversations without constant notifications.” When she found no landline that worked with her mobile number, she decided to build one herself. Goetze took a classic rotary handset, added Bluetooth connectivity, and deliberately left out any screen. “I turned a vintage phone into a smart device,” she said, “without turning it into another distraction.” That concept became Physical Phones, a startup focused on tech wellness rather than more screen time.

Screen-Free Connectivity

The retro handset pairs easily with both iPhones and Android phones via Bluetooth. It rings not only for regular mobile calls but also for internet-based calls on supported apps. Key services include:

• WhatsApp audio calls
• FaceTime calls
• Instagram audio calls

When a call comes in, its sound plays directly through the landline handset. This means users can answer a WhatsApp or FaceTime call just by picking up the vintage phone – without unlocking or touching their smartphone. Goetze notes this satisfies demand for staying connected without constant screen engagement. “This isn’t anti-technology,” she said. “It’s about taking back control.”

Image: A black-and-white vintage rotary phone on a desk, representing the mix of retro style and modern connectivity.

Sales Soar to ₹1 Crore in 3 Days

The product went on sale online in July 2025, and Goetze initially expected only modest interest. “I thought maybe 15–20 pre-orders,” she admitted. Instead, the phone went viral almost overnight. Thousands of orders flooded in immediately, pushing revenue into rare territory for a new hardware startup. Notable figures include:

• ₹1 crore+ in sales in just 3 days

• ₹2.5 crore+ total revenue by October 2025

• Over 3,000 units sold

• Price: ~₹8,000–₹9,800 per unit

Physical Phones has since partnered with a manufacturer to ramp up production. The first mass-produced batch is scheduled to ship in December 2025, aiming to meet ongoing demand.

Focus, Balance and Feedback

Adopters of the retro phone come from diverse backgrounds: professionals seeking fewer workplace distractions, creators and remote workers, and anyone practicing deliberate “tech-distance.” These users stay reachable for important calls but avoid the reflex of checking emails, social media, or notifications at every ping. Tech analysts describe the device as a perfect fit for the growing digital minimalism movement. One noted, “One signal stands out: simplicity has become a luxury in the smartphone era.” In other words, stripping away extra screens and features has become a selling point, not a drawback.

Image: A person meditating peacefully on a wooden pier by a foggy lake, illustrating digital wellness and mindfulness.

More Than a Gadget: A Slow-Tech Statement

Beyond its sales figures, the Physical Phone has sparked broader conversations about mental wellness, attention economy, and intentional tech use. In a world of AI, AR, and constant connectivity, Goetze’s device embodies a “slow tech” philosophy — technology that supports presence instead of fragmenting it. She emphasizes, “My goal isn’t to pull people away from tech. It’s to help people use it deliberately — so we stay in control.” The handset has become a cultural symbol: with its vintage look and modern integration, it reminds us that true innovation doesn’t always mean more screens.

For more on tech trends and digital wellbeing, see our News section and explore related stories in US News. These connected articles highlight the balance between innovation and intentional use in today’s fast-paced world.