Many companies have tried modular smartphones, especially in 2016 with the LG’s G5 and Motorola’s Moto Z with Moto Mods. The most promising modular build was Project Ara from Google, but it was also the most difficult. It promised to allow users to hot swap components on the go– things like a better camera lens or larger battery could be swapped in and out.
Back in May Google said that developers could expect units in the Fall, but it seems a lot has changed. As Google has announced that they are suspending Project Ara indefinitely, which means we will not be seeing an entirely modular phone anytime soon.
It is likely that cost, getting partners on board and longer development periods led to this decision. It also seems that since Alphabet become the main company, they are keeping a closer eye on all of Google’s projects.
For now, consumers who want a taste of modularity will have to settle for the Moto Z family and the lackluster LG G5.
