The Jolla Phone has now received over 5,000 pre-orders and will therefore be implemented according to Jolla. With the third batch of pre-orders now available, Jolla has made another announcement:
If 10,000 pre-orders are received during the extended pre-order phase until the end of January, “The Other Half” will also be released.

What is “The Other Half”?

The Other Half (TOH) is an open hardware and software platform (open source hardware and software) for the Jolla Phone that allows users to create their own back covers for the device.
However, it’s not just about choosing your own colors or materials; it also allows for power and data exchange via an API, which can make the back cover “smart.”

This makes it possible for you or other companies to offer, for example, an additional battery in the back cover or to install additional ports.

How about one of the following ideas for special back covers?

• A hardware keyboard?
• An eInk display to show the time, weather, or notifications with minimal power consumption?
• An additional telescopic zoom camera?
• A solar panel with an additional battery?
• Additional storage?
• A USB hub with multiple USB-A or USB-C ports?
• Better, integrated speakers?
• A studio-grade audio interface?

These are just a few of the ideas for what could be done with it, and here too, Jolla is interested in input from the community and is letting them vote on some of them, which Jolla could then offer itself or in collaboration with partners:

Of course, simpler things such as an integrated smartphone holder for the car, recessed fingers to hold the smartphone better, or similar are also conceivable.
This is particularly interesting for me because, as is well known, I own several 3D printers and could really let my imagination run wild here.

If you would like to find out more:

• The Other Half vote:
  https://forum.sailfishos.org/t/the-other-half-returns-community-innovation-program/26011
• The Jolla Phone 2026 (J2):
  https://www.patchwork3d.de/blog-5-de/das-jolla-phone-fuer-2026-1267
• Jolla Phone 2026 (J2) pre-order and official information:
  https://commerce.jolla.com/products/jolla-phone-preorder