LG G6 Preview: Here’s Why The 2017 Model Won’t Feature G5 ‘Friends’ Module

The LG G5 with its debut earlier in April rocked the smartphone market with its unique modular design. Although the new design did offer something unique in comparison to the other smartphones launched this year, the G5 failed to keep up with the expectations of LG. Probably this is why the tech giant has decided to remove this 'Friends' module from its 2017 model, possibly dubbed the LG G6.

If the reports are to be believed than LG Electronics will not modularize its next smartphone and as a result, the corresponding products including the boards and audio chips are also being prepared accordingly.

https://t.co/At9boKFrO3 : #LGG6 #Smartphone – LG G6 Might Not Have Friends: Smartphone Maker Will Reportedly Scrap... pic.twitter.com/GjtdQo7jMi

— TREND GIZMO (@TrendGizmo) October 23, 2016

Why is the 'Friends' Module being removed?

The modular 'Friends' setup of the G5 model comprised of a removable battery, a camera grip and also a digital-to-analog audio converter, which could be attached to the smartphone, whenever needed, so as to give additional functionality to the handset. Now, Korea's ETNews has reported that the smartphone maker is taking off the 'Friends' modules from its next flagship as it failed to attain the sales that LG had expected it to.

Although the news has not yet been confirmed, keeping in view the sales record of the LG G5 in 2016, ETNews' report does seem legitimate. Google has also been reported to be working on its Ara smartphone, which would have similar modular functionality as that of the G5. Well, it wouldn't be that surprising if LG does sue Google for copyright violation.

LG has not given any official statement in response to the report of ETNews. Earlier in September, an LG spokesperson told Cnet that the company will carry on with the modular concept with the LG G^ even after the G5 goes out due to low sales. LG's Friends modules were reportedly doomed to end like this. The 360 VR headset is not only expensive, it doesn't give out that great photos. The Cam Plus camera grip is just a piece of plastic with some buttons and scroll wheels on top of it.

The LG G6 will ditch the modular approach https://t.co/dAFxzU4xez #LG #LG6 #innovation #telephonie — Arnaud ASCENSI (@AAsc49) October 23, 2016

However, if the report comes out to be true, this would straight away be a contradiction to what the LG G5 smartphone maker had told CNET earlier. Also, the developers and consumers, who had earlier invested in the unique modular feature believing that it would be developed further, will also definitely get a blow if the company abandons the modular concept.

At the time of G5's official launch, LG had also unveiled a community page and even set up a conference in San Francisco, to aid in the development of additional software and hardware kits that would support the phone's modular design. If LG however, implements the V20 design into the G6, it might be able to maintain its reputation in the market.