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Nothing’s first CMF phone could be customizable with dial and kickstand add-ons

Metavives
Several versions of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 featuring different cases and accessories attached.
Users will be able to swap the CMF Phone 1’s rear case and attach accessories like a folding kickstand. | Image: Nothing

Nothing plans to reveal the first smartphone from its affordable CMF subbrand on July 8th, but as part of a continuing series of teasers, it’s revealed the CMF Phone 1’s unique customizability, including a dial that can be used to attach accessories and a rear panel that can be easily swapped.

The light-up glyphs on the Nothing Phone 1 and Phone 2 won’t make it to this model, but a short video of a rotating dial on the back looks similar to the aluminum alloy dial on the CMF Buds that allows a lanyard to be attached to the earbuds’ charging case.

Today’s tease seemingly confirms the phone’s dial will at least function in a similar manner to the dial on the CMF Buds to accommodate accessories and can be unscrewed and swapped with optional attachments, including a lanyard mount and a folding kickstand.

Will it offer additional functionality? Nothing’s teases have been cryptic, but the dial shown is reminiscent of the smart dial on the CMF Neckband Pro headphones, which is used to control volume, playback, and active noise cancellation.

Previously, the CMF account had shared images of the back that revealed easily accessible screws and a tiny screwdriver matching the brand’s aesthetic. The teases strongly hinted the device would have an easily removable rear panel, which seems confirmed today in a post featuring images of the panel itself in black, blue, light green, and orange colorways.

A partial look at the back of the CMF Phone 1 in orange.
Image: Nothing
Can the CMF Phone 1’s back panel be swapped with one featuring an extended battery?

It’s not known if other companies are making alternate rear panels, but looking closer, it seems as if the device might handle panels adding either a larger battery — similar to a Mophie Juice Pack or the Motorola phones that supported “Moto Mods” a few years ago — or a wallet for holding credit and ID cards.

Nothing also hasn’t revealed if removing the rear panel will provide easier access to the CMF Phone 1’s internals, including its battery, but the feature may focus more on customizing appearance and functionality than improving repairability.

In addition to announcing the CMF Phone 1 on July 8th at 5AM ET, the brand will also debut its CMF Buds Pro 2 and Watch Pro 2 at its “Community Update” event.