Framework Leads Modular Laptop Revolution

Framework Leads Modular Laptop Revolution | Generated by AI

Home 2026.02

Question: Which company is building the modular laptop?

Answer:

The primary company building truly modular laptops (where nearly every major component like the motherboard, CPU, RAM, storage, ports, battery, keyboard, and more can be user-upgraded or replaced) is Framework Computer, Inc. (commonly known as Framework).

Founded in 2020 by Nirav Patel, Framework specializes in repairable and upgradeable laptops as part of the right-to-repair movement.
Their flagship products include:
- Framework Laptop 13 (updated models in 2025 with AMD Ryzen AI processors) — the iconic compact modular laptop.
- Framework Laptop 16 — a larger, more powerful version with upgradeable graphics (e.g., supporting NVIDIA RTX modules) and other swappable parts.
- Framework Laptop 12 — a newer, smaller convertible model focused on customization and repairs.
Framework laptops allow backward and forward compatibility for many parts, meaning you can upgrade the mainboard (CPU/GPU) years later without buying a whole new device.
Their official website is frame.work, where you can configure and buy these laptops.

While other companies have introduced more serviceable or semi-modular designs (especially after CES 2026 trends toward easier repairs):

Lenovo (e.g., ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 with “Space Frame” for easier access to components like keyboard, battery, fans).
Dell (newer XPS models with modular USB-C ports and improved repairability).
Schenker (teasing the Element 16 semi-modular gaming laptop concept for 2026 launch).

These are steps toward better repairability but don’t match Framework’s level of full modularity and user-upgradability (e.g., swapping the entire mainboard or expansion card system for ports).

Framework remains the clear leader and most recognized for building genuinely modular laptops in 2026.

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