A smartphone-shaped gun will soon by available for Americans to buy.

Minnesota-based company Ideal Conceal is expected to start selling the new weapon from mid-2016.

The double-barrelled .380 caliber folding pistol can hold two bullets and will go on sale for $395 (£280), the company said.

"Ingeniously designed to resemble a smartphone, yet with one click of the safety it opens and is ready to fire," the company says on its website.

"Smartphones are everywhere, 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."

Eight US states allow carrying concealed guns without a permit to do so.