The object
David Barnett invented the PopSocket, a collapsible phone grip first made to manage tangled headset cables and make handheld phones easier to use. PopSockets reports more than 275 million grips sold in 75 countries, while 2025 reporting describes Barnett’s current creative and legal work after stepping down as CEO.
01
What David did
invented the PopSocket, a collapsible grip that attaches to a phone to improve holding, cable management, and stand functions
02
Why it matters
PopSockets scaled a small mechanical phone accessory into a global consumer-hardware category with more than 275 million grips sold.
03
Living-status check
Business Insider profiled Barnett’s daily work and post-CEO activities in October 2025.