Xiaomi may be working on a detachable Clamshell smartphone

Xiaomi has reportedly filed a patent application for a new smartphone design. According to the report, the Chinese consumer tech brand is working on a clamshell-style foldable smartphone that can be split into two segments. Based on the images seen, the smartphone looks similar to the Xiaomi Mix Flip, which was launched last month. When not detached, the smartphone has a large single-screen design and can be folded in half like typical flip phones. Additionally, the company is also expected to launch the Xiaomi 15 Pro before the end of the year.

Xiaomi is reportedly working on a detachable smartphone

According to a 91mobiles reportthe patent application for the new smartphone design was spotted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the country’s patent and trademark regulator. The application contained several diagrams showing the design and operation of the phone.

Based on the images, the smartphone in its non-detached state has a design similar to standard flip-style smartphones. It appeared to have a larger body than a typical candy bar-style handset when unfolded. The display was connected in the middle and there was no dividing edge to protect the display when detached.

When folded, the smartphone reportedly did not have an external hinge mechanism. Instead, both sides contain grooves for pogo pins, which could be how the two segments attach together. The hinge mechanism could be on the sides or via magnets, but that cannot be said for sure. Gadgets 360 employees were unable to verify the documents.

In addition, one of the drawings showed the smartphone rotating on the vertical axis. The purpose of the movement is also unknown. However, considering how Xiaomi has experimented with unique designs, this wouldn’t be completely out of left field.

However, it should be noted that the details of the patent application have not been confirmed by Xiaomi. And the way patent filings are going, even if the design is approved, there’s no need for the company to release a similar phone anytime soon, or ever. However, this is another design option that the Chinese brand now has in its arsenal.