Modular Phones: Take 2

Do you remember when the tech scene was talking all about modular phones?

From what I remember, it started out with Phonebloks. They had this great idea of a customizable phone with removable modules that would essentially let users create their dream phone. Not only was it customizable, but the goal was to reduce e-waste and change the disposable nature of a cell phone. Users could update their hardware without buying a new phone – all they had to do was swap in a new module.

The dream was that this would become the norm.

Imagine a world where you had one phone that you never had to replace – you could upgrade your camera, add more memory, even upgrade your processor. Phone makers would collectively be making the newest and fastest modules, all of which were compatible with your phone. Buying a brand new phone every year or two, while your old one still worked, would be a thing of the past.

While Phonebloks gained a lot of attention in 2013, they knew that for this concept to become reality, a larger company with more resources would need to lead it.

In 2014, it was announced that the Phonebloks project would be known as Project Ara, being executed by Motorola under Google.

However, that excitement was shortlived. It was confirmed in September 2016 that Project Ara was cancelled.

So what’s next?

Well, this year at the Mobile World Congress 2017, another modular phone emerged into the spotlight – Fairphone. Fairphone takes modularity to another level – they are creating the “world’s first ethical, modular smartphone” based on the idea that we “shouldn’t have to choose between a great phone and a fair supply chain.”

Sure, it’s not as flashy or disruptive as the Ara, but it’s using modularity to tackle the issue of repairability. In a time where backs of phones are sealed shut so even batteries can’t be replaced, I think this is so necessary. Not only is Fairphone aiming to tackle the environmental aspect of sustainability, but when talking about the ethical treatment of people in the electronics industry, this is a huge step (see: Blood in the Mobile for more details on what goes into the making of your phone). Finally, is this profitable? I don’t know for sure, since Fairphone is privately-held, however by the looks of it, they seem to be going strong! By May 2016, they had sold 100 000 Fairphones, and now the Fairphone 2 is available for pre-order online or through a reseller.

It looks like resellers are only in Europe at the moment, but I’m hoping that as they gain more traction and demand grows, we will be seeing them in Canada soon (please, Fairphone, please)!