Portable communication devices with accessory functions and related methods

A method for providing at least one accessory function to a portable communication device, the portable communication device including a housing, a back panel, a processor, and an interface connector, said method comprising:

• coupling an accessory module to the housing in place of the back panel such that a module connector of the accessory module is coupled to the interface connector of the portable communication device;
• determining whether the accessory module is an approved module for use with the portable communication device, based on an identity of the accessory module;
• if the accessory module is an approved module, enabling power at the interface connector such that communication between the portable communication device and the accessory module is permitted;
• determining that the accessory module includes at least one module battery;
• receiving, from a user, a selection of one of a battery of the portable communication device and the at least one module battery;
• and
• powering the portable communication device based on the selection.

A portable communication device comprising:

• a housing;
• an interface connector disposed at said housing, said interface connector configured to couple to an accessory module configured to provide at least one accessory function;
• and
• a processor disposed at least partially within said housing, said processor coupled to said interface connector and wherein said processor is configured to:
• determine that a coupled accessory module includes at least one module battery;
• receive, from a user, a selection of one of a battery of the portable communication device and the at least one module battery;
• and
• power the portable communication device based on the selection.