Moto Mod compatibility confirmed with future Moto Z-based devices

The Moto Mod system relies on a series of magnets and contact pins to connect onto the back of the Moto Z phones. (Source: Motorola)

The Moto Z and accompanying Moto Mod products have been one of the most successful modular smartphone systems to date. Now that the second generation of Moto Z smartphones has arrived, Motorola has announced that they will continue to support their modular ecosystem for a third generation in 2018.

by Craig Ward, 2017/07/31

With the release of the Moto Z in 2016, Motorola introduced a modular system that would prove to be one of the most successful attempts at a modular smartphone that we have seen. The Moto Mods use a series of magnets and a contact pin system to attach to the back of the phone, providing options such as a larger battery, a JBL speaker, a small pico-projector, or the recently announced Moto GamePad. The downside to this system was that for future compatibility, any upcoming phones in the Moto Z line had to have the same rear body shape. To put prospective buyers at ease, Motorola guaranteed that the mods would be compatible for at least two generations (e.g. Moto Z and the Moto Z2 family line).

Since the second generation has now arrived, the question returns of whether it is worth buying into a modular system with no guarantee that the mods will be compatible with any future phones. TechRadar asked a Motorola spokesperson for a comment on this future compatibility, and they received this response "Motorola has confirmed three generations of support for Moto Mods, so the next gen devices will support current mods."

This confirmation shows that Motorola is dedicated to their modular concept, and is serious about maintaining it into 2018. With a bit of luck, Motorola might announce next year that they will extend support into a fourth generation.