Commodore’s newest gadget is a flip phone that blocks social media and browsers

The renowned Commodore brand is making a comeback with an unexpected launch: a flip phone. This iconic name, once synonymous with the top-selling desktop PC in history, was revived last year when Christian “Peri Fractic” Simpson acquired the Commodore Corporation along with all its original trademarks from 1983, as detailed in a July 2025 press release. Simpson reportedly made the purchase for a price in the low seven-figure range. Since its reemergence, Commodore has introduced innovative products, including the Commodore 64 Ultimate and the Commodore 64X, a mini PC that pays homage to the classic Commodore 64. Now, the company has announced its latest offering: the Commodore Call Back 8020, a modern take on a retro design that aligns with the growing trend of 'dumb' phones. While this new flip phone does provide Internet connectivity, it uniquely restricts access to web browsers and social media platforms through a patent-pending technology. According to the announcement, this feature is implemented at the system level, ensuring that applications associated with social media remain inaccessible. Frantic explained to Ars Technica that the company's app store, Commostore, operates on a whitelisting model, meaning social media and browsers will always be excluded from approval. Users have the flexibility to sideload a variety of other applications not found on the Commostore, but a strict barrier has been established against those that encourage excessive scrolling or distraction. In addition to blocking these apps, Commodore has taken security a step further by preventing access at the DNS level. This means that even if users attempt to install apps like TikTok, they won't be able to connect to its servers. When questioned about the inclusion of community forums, Frantic clarified that while traditional bulletin board systems are allowed, platforms like Reddit will not be permitted.