Xiaomi has reportedly filed for a patent for a new smartphone design. According to the report, the Chinese consumer technology brand is working on a foldable smartphone that can be divided into two segments. Judging by the images, the smartphone looks similar to the Xiaomi Mix Flip that was launched last month. When the smartphone is not disconnected, it has a tall design with a single display and can be folded in half like conventional flip phones. Separately, the company is also expected to launch the Xiaomi 15 Pro by the end of the year.
Xiaomi is reportedly working on a detachable smartphone
According to a report by 91mobiles, a patent application for a new smartphone design has been spotted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the country’s patent and trademark regulator. The application contained several diagrams that demonstrated the design and operation of the phone.
Judging by the images, the smartphone in its untethered state has a design similar to standard foldable smartphones. When unfolded, it had a taller body than a typical monoblock-like phone. The display was connected in the middle and there was no separation border to protect the display when disconnected.
It is reported that in the folded state, the smartphone did not have an external hinge mechanism. Instead, both sides contained grooves for pogo pins, which may have been a way of attaching the two segments to each other. The hinge mechanism could have existed laterally or through magnets, but this cannot be said for sure. Gadgets 360 staff could not verify the documents.
In addition, one of the drawings shows a smartphone rotating around a vertical axis. The purpose of the movement is also unknown. However, given how Xiaomi has been experimenting with unique designs, it 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 as it pertains to patent applications, even if the design is granted, it’s not necessarily the case that the company will release a similar phone anytime soon. However, this is another design option of the Chinese brand in the arsenal.
