The Nostalgic Return of the Landline
In the 1990s, landlines were a common feature in households across the globe. Fast forward to today, and the landline is making a surprising comeback, but this time it’s tailored for the younger generation. A new device called the Tin Can has captured the attention of Gen Alpha, offering a screen-free, wired phone that costs $100.
The Tin Can features physical buttons, a twirly cord, and an answering machine, giving it a retro look reminiscent of the 1990s. However, unlike traditional landlines, this one connects via WiFi, enabling children to make calls over the internet. The product description on the website states: “Our super-magical WiFi landline for kids.” It emphasizes that there are no apps, texting, or games—just real conversation with friends, neighbors, Grandma, or anyone added to the approved contact list.
Despite the lack of modern features, the Tin Can has been a massive success. Since its launch in April last year, hundreds of thousands of devices have been sold, according to Bloomberg.
The Vision Behind the Tin Can
The Tin Can was created by three fathers from Seattle—Chet Kittleson, Max Blumen, and Graeme Davies—who wanted to design a phone for their own children. They explained that they started the project because they couldn’t find a phone they wanted to give their kids. “Everything out there felt like a compromise—too much tech, too much access, or just another screen to manage,” they said. “We didn’t want that. We just wanted our kids to be able to call their friends. Safely. Independently. And without unlocking the entire internet. So we built something different.”
The Tin Can resembles a standard landline with a base stand, a twirly cord, and large, physical buttons. However, the colors are designed to appeal to children, with four bright options available: blue/green, purple/white, yellow, and pink/orange. The phone plugs into a wall outlet and connects via WiFi, which parents can set up using an accompanying smartphone app. Within the app, adults can also set up a list of approved external contacts that their child can call.
Safety and Control Features
Only the contacts approved in the Tin Can mobile app can get through. This means no robocalls, no strangers, just voices you know and trust. If one of their friends has a Tin Can, children can call them for free without any subscription required. Alternatively, if they want to call regular phone numbers, they can be set up on a $9.99/month plan.
Parents can also set up ‘Quiet Hours’ within the app, during which calls in and out will be blocked. Tin Can said: “Don’t want the phone ringing off the hook at 10pm? Set Quiet Hours to prevent calls in and out, on your schedule.”
Positive Feedback from Users
Many satisfied buyers have taken to social media to express their delight with the retro device. On TikTok, @brittchris_ shared: “Our new phone has been the perfect kids phone. They’ve been calling Nana just to talk 3x a day haha.” Another user, @carlytchristman, added: “10/10 recommend the Tin Can for kids with long distance grandparents or family. This will be the only kind of phone my girls get for a long time.”
One parent commented: “It’s a GAME CHANGER for my kids. They are learning phone etiquette, talk to grandparents, make play dates with friends.”
Availability and Future Plans
At the moment, the phone is only available in the US and Canada, priced at $100. The Daily Mail has contacted Tin Can for information on a possible UK launch in the future.
This development comes shortly after the government announced plans to introduce a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England. Amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill were passed on Tuesday night in a House of Lords session that ran into the early hours. If the smartphone ban becomes law, it will apply across England during school hours, although there may be exemptions for sixth-form students and medical devices.
