A gun that folds up to look like a smartphone is about to be released by its maker, Ideal Conceal. The flat double-barrelled pistol has a folding grip that locks into place. When it’s closed, the trigger guard is completely hidden – giving it the appearance of an iPhone inside a case. Over 12,000 pre-orders have already been made for the transforming gun ahead of its imminent release. It is priced at $395 making it cheaper than many smartphones. Authorities are on alert in expectation of guns being smuggled outside of America. The gun is legal to carry concealed, with a licence, in certain States in the US. The gun is designed for self-protection and features a .380 calibre capacity and hammerless firing system “for ease of use and added safety”, says Ideal Conceal. Despite the button press necessary to fold out the gun into firing mode, the company says, “with the Ideal Conceal pistol you can be quick on the draw stopping a threat effectively and immediately”. “Smartphones are everywhere,” says Ideal Conceal, “so your new pistol will easily blend in with today’s environment. In its locked position it will be virtually undetectable because it hides in plain sight.” The head of the Ideal Conceal, Kirk Kjellberg, said he got the idea for the transforming phone weapon after a child saw his gun in a restaurant and got scared.