Long-forgotten brand is bringing back the flip phone with no apps — and tech-weary fans are relieved: ‘Take my money’ (Commodore Callback 8020)

NY Post ^ | 6/18/26 | Ben Cost

[Libloather]

They’re flipping off social media.

Nostalgic ’80s tech firm Commodore is hoping to combat tech addiction by releasing a retro flip phone that banishes social media apps.

Dubbed the Commodore Callback 8020, this vintage phone reboot is billed as a “retreat from Black Mirror technology” designed to “help you spend less time staring at a screen,” per the blog.

This throwback perhaps marks a fitting release for a nostalgic company that kickstarted the personal computer revolution of the 1980s and released the Commodore 64 — the best-selling PC of all time.

The Callback, which will be available later this year, facilitates digital detox by using “patent-pending technology” to block web browsers and social media at the “system level.” The catch is that the mobile methadone does offer internet connectivity, ostensibly offering the full functionality of a modern phone without the risk of screen addiction.

That being said, the Linux-based Sailfish OS operating system allows this Spartan device to be compatible with over “99 percent of Android Apps,” including WhatsApp, Maps and Spotify.

But don’t get any ideas about importing blacklisted apps. While Callback users are allowed to sideload platforms not available at the firm’s “Commostore,” the company draws the line at ones that require doomscrolling, Ars Technica reported.

---

TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet; Local News; Science
KEYWORDS: apps; commodore; doomscrolling; fans; flipphone; money; socialmedia; tech

[Libloather]

Bring back the non-exploding pagers. The old is new again.

[Disambiguator]

I’ll take one with a rotary dialer.

[Fai Mao]

About 20 years ago some guy out together a company called “Commodore USA”. He had a replica of the Commodore 64 with an updated motherboard and video. They were being produced and sold and then he suddenly died and the company folded.

[NewHampshireDuo]

I love my flip phone. I have 3 Androids but they are only for control purposes (telescopes and the like).

[DoodleBob]

Total price: between $500 and $640, depending on the colorway.

[Tell It Right]

Agreed. Huge cost. No web browser. Even if it brings nostalgia.

[boycott]

obama phones should be nothing more than this. It shouldn’t provide internet service.

We don’t need to provide cell phones where they can plan looting, takeovers, smash & grabs, etc. on social media.

[gunsmithkat]

After resisting the cell phone for many years I finally got a flip phone from Tello, a TCL model which suits my needs at a price I consider reasonable. Tello.com Does what I need without the apps and all that goes with them. 120 bucks no frills.

[Does so]

Should be enough...

[ealgeone]

I’d say we don’t need to provide cell phones period.

[boycott]

I’d say we don’t need to provide cell phones period.

—

I agree 100%. And we certainly shouldn’t be providing one for everybody in the family. It should be one at most per household. Unfortunately, we provide free internet to the welfare moochers too.

[Big Red Badger]

I’ve got a Motorola Flip Phone....
and Casio “candybar” sitting in a Drawer
Some Where.
.
Got what’s in my hand for What I had after the Casio.
.
Of course these are Verison at about $80
A month.
.
These are Amazing devices Necessary for modern Living But the Harm is Still lurking
Seething
Insidious
Informative
Etc
Etc
Etc
.
Oh Look
Stupid Cat Videos!
.

[Paladin2]

You should consider a 4th for controlling Congress......

[dfwgator]

Bring back The TRS-80!

[combat_boots]

Trash 80s

You are so bad

[Petrosius]

You don’t need the dialer if you use a party line and call the operator.

[Wallace T.]

Bring back 10 key adding machines, manual typewriters, file cabinets, and carbon paper.

[Schatze]

While we’re at it, can we bring back incandescent bulbs? I hate those bleeping LEDs.

[Taxman]

My Nokia 2780 flip phone has internet capability — I just refuse to use it!

$49.95 @ Amazon!

[T.B. Yoits]

There's a market for these among recovering dopamine addicts as well as for company phones for people who won't use their own phone for work.

I still see them in use where a phone is assigned to a position and not an individual person. When the second shift comes in, the phones are passed over to them. For outsiders, you'll always reach whoever is sitting in the role, instead of rotating through numbers for whoever is on duty.

As more work communications moved to Microsoft Teams through the computer, many companies are assigning basic flip phones to employees in the rare event they're calling in to a meeting while away from a computer.

It helps with authentication for access as well. Instead of having multiple phones assigned to a joint account, have one phone and pass it along to whomever is on duty.