It’s been precisely a decade since Google, together with its subsidiary, embarked on an ambitious venture called Project Ara, with the audacious aim of bringing modular smartphones to the masses. A decade later, it’s time to revisit this remarkable project that once held the promise of revolutionizing the smartphone industry.
Project Ara was a simple yet groundbreaking concept: a smartphone built on a skeleton chassis that could accommodate a variety of hot-swappable modules. These modules ranged from batteries and memory to cameras and processors, enabling users to not only customize their smartphones at a hardware level but also facilitating easier repairs and upgrades. It offered the tantalizing prospect of owning a phone that could evolve with you, eliminating the need to replace your entire device every time you craved a more powerful or feature-rich experience.
Regrettably, the road to realization was fraught with challenges. Google’s vision to bring modular phones to the market encountered difficulties in sorting out the intricacies of modular parts, concerns over durability and compatibility, and the daunting task of creating a user-friendly model for modular smartphones. As a result, in September 2016, Project Ara was left by the wayside.
Motorola did take a brief torch-carrying attempt at modularity, introducing phones with hot-swappable back panels, promising a larger battery or enhanced camera capabilities. However, the market did not embrace the idea, and these Moto phones shared the fate of the dodo.
The story of Project Ara is not unique in the world of modular consumer devices. Few have managed to gain significant traction. Notably, Razer’s Project Christine, a modular gaming PC platform, garnered attention for its slick design but never found its niche. This was perhaps predictable, as traditional PCs already offer some degree of modularity, allowing users to upgrade and swap components with relative ease.
Some laptops do provide room for memory upgrades or Wi-Fi card replacements, while devices like the Steam Deck and PS5 support do-it-yourself SSD upgrades for those willing to delve into the hardware.
Yet, in the broader context, genuinely modular consumer tech remains scarce. As tech generations progress, devices have become less upgradable, even at the basic level. Once, changing a smartphone battery was a straightforward task, but now it’s virtually impossible with most flagship phones. Even microSD card slots, once a staple, have become a rarity among top-tier devices.
This isn’t all negative, though. The trend toward tightly integrated components has resulted in slimmer yet more powerful phones loaded with advanced technology and features. However, this evolution comes at the cost of flexibility and the necessity for professional repairs.
Despite the conveniences of modern smartphones, there’s a lingering sense of missed potential. The dream of a Project Ara phone, a truly modular device, remains unfulfilled, and the absence of modularity in consumer tech seems incongruous in a world where sustainability is a paramount concern.
A smartphone with modular components could contribute to a more environmentally friendly tech landscape. While old modules may eventually become e-waste, their impact on the environment could be less than that of fully disposable devices.
Convincing consumers to embrace modularity is a challenge. The distinction between an easy-to-repair device and one composed of mix-and-match components is significant. Building a modular phone requires a degree of understanding and foresight, akin to constructing a personal computer.
As Lance Ulanoff, US Editor-in-Chief, aptly noted, the idea of consumers assembling their phones is a tough sell. History has shown that very few opt for a DIY approach when it comes to mobile devices. It’s akin to asking people to build their own TV or car, a task that the majority won’t undertake.
However, in an era where the right-to-repair movement gains momentum, there’s a growing community of DIY tech enthusiasts. With smartphones deeply ingrained in our lives, people are better informed about their devices and increasingly discerning about their smartphone choices. While modular smartphones may not become mainstream, there’s still potential for modular tech to make an impact.
Companies like Fairphone, which champions eco-friendly smartphones, have incorporated modularity into their designs. This approach allows users to easily upgrade components like cameras or replace damaged screens without requiring professional assistance. While not the extreme customization that Project Ara envisioned, it’s a step in the right direction, challenging the throwaway mentality that prevails in the tech world.
Another shining example of modularity can be found in Framework laptops. These modular machines provide a basic laptop frame with the flexibility to customize and swap various components, from keyboards to GPUs and ports. They cater to the desire for customizable laptops while empowering users to perform repairs through plug-and-play module swaps.
Framework laptops may not suit everyone, but they have certainly captured the attention of tech enthusiasts. They set a precedent that other tech companies could and should follow, and it’s a direction that could be applied to smartphones. At the very least, let us have the option to swap out batteries in our phones.
