Smartphones are glued shut, laptops are thinner but harder to repair, and our tech feels increasingly disposable. Yet beneath this frustrating reality, a quiet design rebellion is taking root. Modular technology is emerging as the antidote to our throwaway tech culture, offering devices that adapt, upgrade, and evolve with us instead of ending up in landfills.
The concept isn’t about making technology more complicated but about making it more human. Modular design puts control back in the hands of users, allowing them to customize, repair, and upgrade their devices according to their specific needs and preferences. It’s a movement that challenges the traditional model of planned obsolescence and embraces a future where technology grows with us rather than against us.
The Modular Appeal: Why Users Are Hooked
At its core, modular technology appeals to our fundamental desire for control and personalization in an increasingly standardized world. People love the ability to make their devices truly their own, whether that means swapping out a phone’s camera module for better photography, customizing a controller for accessibility needs, or upgrading a laptop’s components as technology advances. This level of customization creates an emotional connection between users and their devices that goes far beyond typical consumer electronics relationships.
The practical benefits are equally compelling, offering real solutions to everyday frustrations that traditional tech simply can’t address. When your phone’s battery starts to degrade, you can replace just that component instead of buying an entirely new device, saving money and reducing electronic waste. When your needs change, your modular setup can adapt with you, growing and evolving rather than becoming obsolete. This flexibility represents a fundamental shift from the disposable mentality that has dominated tech for decades, offering a more sustainable and economically sensible approach to our digital lives.
The Modular Dream That Wasn’t (Yet)
The idea of modular tech isn’t new, but its journey has been filled with ambitious dreams and harsh realities. One of the most iconic attempts came in 2013 with Google’s Project Ara, a bold vision for a fully modular smartphone where users could swap out camera modules, processors, and batteries like LEGO bricks. The project generated massive buzz and early prototypes that seemed to promise a revolution in how we think about mobile devices.
Despite the excitement and significant investment, Project Ara was shelved by 2016, largely due to technical complexity and durability concerns. Other companies like LG tried their hand at semi-modular phones with the G5 in 2016, offering removable modules for better cameras or audio, but the user experience fell short of expectations. Back then, modularity clashed with the market’s obsession with seamless, ultra-thin design, and the technology simply wasn’t ready to deliver on its promises without significant compromises.
The Modular Renaissance: Why Now Is Different
What’s changed since those early stumbles? For one, user expectations have evolved dramatically in recent years. Tech-savvy consumers now value longevity and flexibility more than ever, driven by growing environmental consciousness and frustration with devices that can’t be repaired or upgraded. The Right to Repair movement has gained significant momentum, with governments introducing legislation that forces manufacturers to make their products more serviceable.
Companies are also waking up to a fundamental shift in business thinking. They’re realizing that a product that lasts isn’t a threat to their bottom line but actually creates a new kind of customer loyalty and brand differentiation. Designers have learned from past failures and are now approaching modularity with greater sophistication, proving that modular design doesn’t have to mean clunky or niche aesthetics. Today’s modular products are smarter about where modularity matters most, focusing on repairability, customization, and sustainability without sacrificing the sleek, premium feel that consumers expect.
Modular Tech That’s Working—Right Now
1. Modular Numpad Concept by Ben Fryc
This numpad concept, designed by Ben Fryc and in development with Work Louder, showcases a fresh approach to modular input devices. Each key module features a clean, minimalist design language with satisfying tactile feedback and premium materials that feel substantial under your fingers. The modular grid system allows keys to be rearranged in different patterns, creating visual compositions that are as striking as they are functional. The overall aesthetic balances industrial precision with playful customization, making it a statement piece for any workspace.
The modular design here isn’t just about rearrangement but about adapting to different workflows and creative processes. Music producers can configure it as a drum pad layout, while data analysts can optimize it for number entry. The magnetic connection system ensures each module stays perfectly aligned while allowing for quick reconfiguration. Each key can be programmed independently, meaning your physical layout can match your software needs exactly. It’s a perfect example of how modular design can make tools more personal and workflows more efficient, with Work Louder’s expertise in tactile interfaces bringing the concept to life.
What we like
Completely customizable layout adapts to different workflows (music production, data entry, gaming).
Magnetic connection system allows quick reconfiguration without tools.
What we dislike
May be expensive compared to traditional numpads due to modular complexity.
2. Frmaework Modular Desktop & Touchscreen Laptop
Framework’s 2025 lineup showcases modular design at its most sophisticated, with clean industrial aesthetics that make upgradeability look effortless. The laptop’s ports are housed in swappable modules that slide in and out with precision-engineered tolerances, creating seamless edges that rival any traditional laptop. The desktop version features a modular tower design with tool-free access panels and color-coded components that make internal upgrades feel like assembling premium furniture rather than tinkering with electronics.
The modular approach here solves the fundamental problem of technological obsolescence. When you need more processing power, you swap the mainboard rather than buying a new computer. When connectivity standards change, you simply slide in new port modules. The touchscreen laptop variant adds another layer of modularity, with the display assembly designed for easy replacement or upgrade. This means your investment grows with you, adapting to new software demands, connectivity needs, and even aesthetic preferences over time.
What we like
True future-proofing through upgradeable components (CPU, RAM, ports, display).
Tool-free upgrades make maintenance accessible to average users.
What we dislike
Higher upfront cost compared to traditional laptops and desktops.
3. Lenovo Modular Mouse Concept
Lenovo’s modular mouse concept we saw at CES 2025 reimagines this everyday peripheral through the lens of adaptive design. The base unit features flowing curves and a premium matte finish, while modular grip sections attach via hidden magnetic connections that maintain the mouse’s seamless profile. Different grip modules offer various textures and ergonomic profiles, from palm-filling designs for extended use to compact options for travel. The overall aesthetic is clean and futuristic, with each modular component feeling like a natural extension of the base design.
The modular system here addresses the fundamental challenge of ergonomic diversity in peripheral design. Instead of one-size-fits-all, you can customize the mouse’s shape, size, and button layout to match your hand size, grip style, and usage patterns. Gaming modules add extra buttons and RGB lighting, while productivity modules focus on comfort and precision. The magnetic system ensures perfect alignment and solid connections, while the variety of options means you can optimize for different tasks throughout your day. It’s a perfect example of how modular design can make technology more inclusive and personally tailored.
What we like
Ergonomic customization for different hand sizes and grip styles.
Magnetic system ensures secure connections with easy swapping.
What we dislike
Concept stage only, no confirmed production timeline.
4. Modular NAS system by Gridstack
This sleek NAS design breaks away from the typical server room aesthetic, treating data storage as both a functional necessity and a design object. The modular system features clean geometric forms with smooth surfaces that wouldn’t look out of place in a modern living room or creative studio. Each storage module slides into the main chassis with precision-engineered rails, creating a satisfying tactile experience that makes expanding your storage feel like a premium ritual. The overall design language is minimalist yet sophisticated, proving that professional-grade storage doesn’t have to look industrial.
The modular approach here addresses the evolving nature of data storage needs in our increasingly digital lives. With cloud storage services hiking up subscription fees and quietly using personal data , having control over your own storage becomes both practical and empowering. You can start with a single drive module and expand as your photo collection, video projects, or business data grows. Each module can house different types of storage, from high-speed SSDs for active projects to large-capacity HDDs for archival storage. The modular design means you never pay for more storage than you need, while ensuring you can scale up without replacing the entire system.
What we like
Sleek design suitable for home/office environments, not just server rooms.
Cost-effective expansion compared to buying larger NAS units.
What we dislike
Requires technical knowledge for setup and maintenance.
5. Fairphone 6
The Fairphone 6 challenges everything we think we know about smartphone design by putting repairability at its core. Unlike traditional phones that hide their components behind sealed cases, this device celebrates its modular nature with clear visual cues and accessible design elements. The phone’s clean lines and thoughtful proportions make each replaceable component feel like an intentional design choice rather than a compromise, proving that sustainable tech doesn’t have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal.
What sets the Fairphone 6 apart is how its modular design directly translates to real-world benefits. The camera module can be upgraded independently, letting you boost your photography game without replacing the entire device. The battery slides out with simple tools, extending your phone’s lifespan by years and reducing electronic waste. Each component is color-coded and clearly labeled, making repairs feel approachable rather than intimidating. The modular approach means you can keep your phone current with evolving technology while maintaining the familiarity of your trusted device.
What we like
Easy self-repair extends device lifespan and reduces e-waste.
Ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices.
What we dislike
Typically lags behind flagship phones in raw performance specs.
6. CMF Phone 2 Pro
The CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing takes a refined approach to modularity, moving away from the fully removable back cover of its predecessor to focus on creative accessory attachment. The phone features a “Universal Cover” that screws onto the device, serving as a platform for modular add-ons. This system allows users to snap on camera accessories like fish-eye or macro lenses directly to the camera module, or attach a magnetic “Wallet and Stand” for everyday convenience. A large, distinctive screw at the bottom provides an attachment point for lanyards, adding both personality and practicality to your device.
What truly sets the CMF Phone 2 Pro apart is its open ecosystem approach. Nothing provides the CAD file for the Universal Cover to the community, empowering users and third-party makers to design and 3D-print their own custom accessories. This transforms the phone into a canvas for creativity, letting users personalize their experience far beyond standard cases or skins. While the back cover itself is no longer swappable as in the previous generation, the CMF Phone 2 Pro’s modularity lives on through its accessory system and community-driven innovation, making it a platform for endless customization possibilities.
What we like
Affordable entry point into modular smartphone design.
Fun customization options for personal expression.
What we dislike
Back cover is no longer fully swappable as in the previous model.
Modularity is accessory-focused, not component-level (battery, camera, etc.)
7. Oukitel WP200 Pro
The Oukitel WP 200 Pro pushes modular design into uncharted territory, with a detachable display that transforms the very nature of what a smartphone can be. The main body features robust construction with reinforced corners and weather sealing, while the display module maintains a sleek profile that feels natural when detached. The connection system uses both magnetic alignment and secure locking mechanisms, ensuring the display stays put during rugged use but detaches smoothly when needed. The industrial design balances durability with elegance, proving that rugged doesn’t have to mean bulky.
The detachable display opens up entirely new use cases that traditional smartphones simply can’t address. When detached, the screen becomes a lightweight smartwatch for fitness tracking or a discrete earbud for hands-free communication. The main body continues functioning as a hub, maintaining connectivity and processing power while the display operates independently. This modular approach means you can leave the bulk behind when you need mobility, or keep the display close when the main device needs to stay protected. It’s modularity that genuinely expands what’s possible rather than just making repairs easier.
What we like
Maintains rugged durability while adding versatility.
Detached display functions as smartwatch or earbud.
What we dislike
Bulky form factor .
8. Easco Phone
This groundbreaking phone treats keyboard modularity as both an accessibility feature and a design opportunity. The base device features a clean, minimalist design with a prominent magnetic connection area that accommodates different keyboard modules. Each keyboard option maintains the phone’s overall aesthetic while adding its own character, from tactile keys with raised dots for visually impaired users to gaming-focused layouts with mechanical switches. The design ensures that accessibility features feel integrated rather than added on, creating a cohesive look regardless of which module is attached.
The modular keyboard system addresses real accessibility challenges while opening up new possibilities for all users. Tactile keyboards provide better feedback for users with motor difficulties, while specialized layouts can optimize for different languages or input methods. The magnetic connection system allows for quick swapping between different keyboards depending on the task at hand. Beyond accessibility, the modular approach means you can choose the perfect keyboard for gaming, typing, or one-handed use, making the phone truly adaptable to your specific needs and preferences.
What we like
Accessibility features for diverse user needs.
Addresses real inclusivity gaps in smartphone design.
What we dislike
Limited features compared to modern smartphones.
9. Proteus Controller
The Proteus Controller by ByoWave takes modular design in a bold, colorful direction that celebrates accessibility as a design feature rather than hiding it. The base unit features a distinctive angular design with vibrant color options, while modular button and joystick components can be arranged in countless configurations. Each module connects via secure magnetic systems that provide tactile feedback when properly aligned. The overall aesthetic is playful and inviting, making accessibility feel empowering rather than limiting.
The modular design here directly addresses the diverse needs of gamers with disabilities while creating new possibilities for all players. Buttons can be repositioned for one-handed play, joysticks can be swapped for different sensitivity levels, and the entire layout can be customized for specific motor abilities. The magnetic connection system makes reconfiguration quick and satisfying, while the variety of colorful modules lets users express their personality. This approach proves that inclusive design can be both functional and beautiful, creating controllers that work better for everyone.
What we like
Highly customizable for players with different abilities and needs.
Magnetic system allows quick reconfiguration during gameplay.
What we dislike
More complex setup compared to standard controllers.
10. PlayStation Access Controller
Sony’s Access Controller showcases how modular design can be both sophisticated and inclusive. The controller features a clean, modern aesthetic with a distinctive circular base that accommodates various modular components. Each button and joystick module maintains Sony’s premium design language while offering different tactile experiences and accessibility features. The magnetic connection system is hidden beneath smooth surfaces, creating a seamless look that rivals traditional controllers while offering far more flexibility.
The modular approach here transforms gaming accessibility from an afterthought into a core design principle. Players can customize button placement, size, and sensitivity to match their specific needs and abilities. The system accommodates everything from limited mobility to different hand sizes, ensuring that every player can find their optimal configuration. Beyond accessibility, the modular design means you can optimize your controller for different game genres or playing styles, creating a truly personalized gaming experience that adapts to both your abilities and your preferences.
What we like
Official Sony support ensures compatibility and quality.
Extensive customization options for different disabilities.
What we dislike
High price point may limit accessibility for target users.
The Modular Future Is Here
The world of modular tech is bursting with creativity and innovation, offering solutions that fit real lives and real dreams. These ten products prove that thoughtful design can make every day easier, more fun, and infinitely more personal. Whether you’re customizing your workspace, upgrading your phone piece by piece, or making gaming more accessible, modular tech invites you to play, experiment, and build a digital world that feels just right.
Choosing well-made, clever solutions is more than just a trend but a way to bring joy and flexibility into your daily routine. With modular design, you’re not just buying a product but investing in possibilities and freedom to adapt as your needs change. So go ahead, imagine your life upgraded with these modular marvels, and let them inspire your next big move toward a more personalized, sustainable, and joyful relationship with technology.
The post Modular Tech Is Back: 10 Groundbreaking Modular Tech Products Redefining Product Design in 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.