Apple appears to be considering a technology once introduced by Motorola.

One of Apple’s patents describes the technology of replaceable modules for the iPhone, which are installed on the back cover of the device using MagSafe. Modules can add additional functions to the iPhone and are completely different. It can be a powerful speaker, a lens for the main cameras and even a glucometer. You may encounter many different options.

Motorola had a series of Moto Z smartphones with the exact same concept. Moreover, Motorola has been releasing new smartphones of this series for several years, maintaining compatibility with old modules.

Ultimately, the idea was abandoned, but as far as Apple is concerned, it could be much more successful because iPhones sell many times better than Motorola smartphones. By the way, the latest news that future iPhones may be thinner can be attributed to the possibility of the release of modules, since the same modules will make the devices thicker. Let’s remember, Moto Z models were quite thin. Of course, as always, the existence of a patent does not mean that the technology will come to market.