Clip-on/clip-in smart module

A smart module (22) for connection to a portable telephone (20) has a module housing (34) with a back side and a front side. The front side is adapted for removably securing the module housing (34) to a battery attachment region (26) of the portable telephone (20). The smart module (22) has a printed circuit board (38) that provides desired electronic functions to enhance, change or otherwise alter those of the portable telephone (20). The smart module (22) has a module connector section (32) that is electronically coupled to the module printed circuit board (38). The module connector section (32) connects with a corresponding in-phone connector section (30) within the battery attachment region (26) when the smart module (22) is attached to the battery attachment region (26) of the phone (20). The connector sections (30, 32) couple the module printed circuit board (38) to electronic circuitry of the portable telephone (20) when the module (22) is secured to the telephone (20).