The Challenges and Opportunities of Transitioning to Modular Smartphones

This paper proposes a perspective analysis of the barriers that inhibit the uptake of modular phones as well as feasible design and market opportunities. Electronic waste (e-waste) increases yearly, and precious materials are often improperly recycled. A few thought leaders have proposed modular electronics as a solution to reduce waste and harmful GHG emissions at all stages of the smartphone lifecycle. However, obstacles exist, such as planned obsolescence business strategies that tend to dominate the current market and technical challenges associated with sealing modular devices. To compete with existing smartphone products, such as iPhone and Samsung devices, the ingress protection ratings of the more repairable modular devices should be comparable. The paper will propose potential solutions to each of the identified obstacles.