If you’re tired of bulky phone accessories getting caught in your pockets, the new PopSockets Low-Pro MagSafe grip is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Unveiled as an Apple Store exclusive before hitting wider retail, this insanely thin, 2.6mm iPhone accessory is being called a true “labor of love” by the brand. But the fascinating journey to create this ultra-thin device actually dates back nearly a decade—long before the original pop-out design became a global cultural phenomenon.
From Coat Buttons to the PopSockets Low-Pro MagSafe Grip
Every iconic gadget has an origin story, and this one begins with an old iPhone 3G and a frustrating pair of tangled wired headphones. Founder and CEO David Barnett, a former philosophy professor, simply wanted a better way to manage his headphone cables. His scrappy, do-it-yourself solution? Gluing two large coat buttons to the back of his smartphone.
That little life hack sparked a massive wave of innovation. Barnett taught himself CAD software and initially 3D-printed a stiff, 2.1mm-thick disc. However, his ultimate vision of an expandable, collapsible accessory took precedence. When he pitched the concept of a remarkably flush design to a friend, he was actually scolded and told to focus entirely on the pop-out grip that eventually took the world by storm. That advice forced the concept for a razor-thin grip to temporarily take a back seat.
Designing the PopSockets Low-Pro MagSafe Grip for Skinny Jeans
Over the years, the classic accordion-style grip successfully adorned hundreds of millions of smartphones. Yet, Barnett noticed a consistent piece of feedback from his customers—especially from male users wearing skinny jeans: the traditional grip occasionally snagged when sliding into tight pockets.
While Barnett himself never experienced this pocket-snagging issue, he knew there was a massive market opportunity for a flush, frictionless design. Stripping away the bulk to finally produce the PopSockets Low-Pro MagSafe grip required entirely re-engineering the original two-step accordion expansion.
What Makes the PopSockets Low-Pro MagSafe Grip Stand Out?
So, how did the brand achieve such an incredibly low profile? Instead of the familiar rubber accordion, the PopSockets Low-Pro MagSafe grip utilizes a minimalist metal ring on a hinge that smartly doubles as a kickstand. The button itself sits on a remarkably flexible platform that opens in one smooth, satisfying motion.
Don’t let the 2.6mm thickness fool you—this accessory is remarkably durable. During rigorous tensile testing, the engineering team proved it could withstand 30 pounds of pulling pressure. In fact, the powerful magnet would detach from your iPhone long before the grip itself ever broke. Furthermore, they successfully opened and closed the metal hinge over 100,000 times without a single mechanical issue.
Priced at $39.99, the new grip is so thin that you can seamlessly charge your device right through it. As an added bonus, the magnetic face is strong enough to mount your iPhone securely to a metal fridge or filing cabinet.
When Barnett first showed the original pop-out prototype to his wife years ago, she thought no one would ever buy it. Today? After experiencing the PopSockets Low-Pro MagSafe grip firsthand, she confidently declared it “the best invention since the credit card.”
