Nothing's first CMF phone is customizable with dial and kickstand add-ons

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

The light-up glyphs on the Nothing Phone 1 and Phone 2 won't come 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 for adding a lanyard to the earbuds' charging case.

Today's tease confirms that the phone's dial will at least work in a similar way to the dial on the CMF Buds to accommodate accessories and can be opened and replaced with optional attachments including a lanyard mount and 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 shared photos of the back, showing easily accessible screws and a small screwdriver that match the brand's aesthetics. The tease strongly hinted that the device would have an easily removable rear panel, which was confirmed today in a post with photos of black, blue, light green, and orange colored panels.

It's not known if other companies are making alternative rear panels, but a closer look suggests the device could have panels for adding either a larger battery — similar to the Mophie Juice Pack or Motorola phones that supported "Moto Mods" a few years ago — or a wallet to hold credit and ID cards.

Nothing also revealed whether removing the rear panel will provide easier access to the CMF Phone 1's internals, including its battery, but the feature could focus more on customizing appearance and functionality than improving repairability.

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