The modular concept in the LG G5 has created quite a splash in the tech world when it was first announced. Recent reports indicate, however, that this novel feature will be scrapped in the upcoming LG G6.
The key takeaway from the rumors floated by multiple sources is that the LG G6 will have an integral structure. This means that it is solid and will not support dedicated modules that can be swapped to give it more functionality.
This development has surprised observers especially when LG quite confidently told the world that it will continue with its modular concept and proceed on refining it further. This official confirmation by way of an official statement by LG spokesperson Ken Hong was issued in response to concerns that the G6 will abandon the modular concept after the LG V20 was released without the latch button that support modules.
The news about the non-modular G6 — if true — is therefore a drastic about-face given the time that official statement was released.
LG's beef with this modular business concerns the lack of third-party support. The slow adoption means that manufacturing modules is not that viable. Those available, therefore, are few and also expensive. It also did not help that the G5 itself got a very tepid response from consumers.
Citing inside sources, Korean website ET News revealed how poor G5 sales were attributed to the complexity of attaching modules as well as the high prices. The usability is not as straightforward as, say, Motorola's Moto Mods. The G5 has to be rebooted each time a module is attached because the battery has to be taken out.
ET News also reported that LG has experienced manufacturing challenges and low production yield due to the complex structure of the modular phone.
Fans who have come to love the modular G5 might still have something to look forward to. LG seems to be working on mysterious new features for the G6, which have not been seen in other LG phones including the LG V20. Unfortunately, this will not include a curved OLED display, as LG reportedly scrapped that plan due to supply issues.
At this point, it is difficult to be entirely sure whether the modular concept has indeed been scrapped. As 2017 inches closer, however, one thing is certain. LG must already have made up its mind on what approach to take with the G6, as it needs to source components such as boards and chips.
The modular G5 was unveiled during the Mobile World Congress 2016. The LG G6 is widely expected to debut in the same event, which will happen from Feb. 27 to March 2 next year.
