PopSockets Launches Low-Pro Grip to Eliminate Device Bulk
The new 2.6 mm accessory replaces the classic accordion cone with a slim metal ring and kickstand.
PopSockets has launched the Low-Pro Grip, a significant redesign of its signature phone accessory aimed at reducing device bulk. The new model moves away from the brand's iconic plastic cone in favor of a razor-thin profile and integrated utility.
The Low-Pro Grip measures just 2.6 mm in thickness, a dimension Tom's Guide notes is roughly equivalent to three credit cards. Replacing the traditional accordion-style expansion, the device utilizes a flexible web design and a built-in metal ring. This ring serves a dual purpose: it acts as a secure grip for the user and an extendable kickstand that supports the phone in both portrait and landscape orientations. According to John Velasco of Tom's Guide, the grip sits nearly flush with the raised camera plateau of an iPhone 17 Pro when attached.
A Departure from Tradition
For more than a decade, PopSockets relied on a consistent plastic cone design that defined the phone-grip category. While the original design provided ergonomic support, it introduced two primary pain points for users: significant added thickness and a tendency for the phone to wobble when placed on flat surfaces. By flattening the profile and integrating a metal ring, the company is pivoting toward a more streamlined aesthetic that aligns with the slim hardware of modern smartphones.
Industry Implications
The shift toward a "low-profile" approach addresses the primary barriers to adoption for traditional phone grips. By minimizing the footprint, PopSockets is targeting users who want the ergonomic benefits of a grip without sacrificing the slimness of their device. Furthermore, the integration of a magnetic attachment point ensures compatibility with the broader MagSafe ecosystem. Crucially, the Low-Pro Grip supports wireless charge-through compatibility (MagSafe/Qi2), meaning users no longer have to remove the accessory to utilize wireless charging pads.
What to Watch
As PopSockets moves toward this thinner architecture, the industry will be watching to see if this replaces the traditional PopGrip entirely or exists as a premium alternative. While the technical specifications for thickness and charging are confirmed, regional pricing remains variable across different retailers. Future iterations may further refine the balance between the structural rigidity of the metal ring and the overall weight of the accessory.