Loona DeskMate turns iPhone into practical AI robot

The Loona DeskMate expands iPhone with a little robot body (Image source: Keyi TEch)

The Loona DeskMate can turn Apple iPhone into a robot with large eyes and a motorized head that’s capable of flexible movements, giving it a distinctly charming appearance. A range of AI features is intended to make Loona DeskMate a useful desk assistant.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 01/07/2026 🇩🇪

CES 2026

The so-called Loona DeskMate appears to be a relatively affordable AI robot, as it does not need its own high-performance processor, display, microphones or speakers. Instead, an Apple iPhone is magnetically attached to the robot via MagSafe. Because the iPhone is charged at the same time, DeskMate is intended to replace a desk charger rather than take up space for an additional gadget.

When an iPhone is attached to DeskMate and the corresponding app is opened, the display shows two large eyes, while a motor can move the display and point it toward the user. These eye and head movements are designed to give the robot a charming personality. Loona DeskMate can further access the iPhone’s cameras and microphones, as well as the screen content of a Mac or Windows PC on the desk.

This allows the DeskMate to offer system-wide AI features, such as summarizing text, replying to emails, adjusting calendar entries or scheduling a Zoom meeting. While all of this can also be handled by an app, according to the manufacturer’s marketing, Loona DeskMate uses the iPhone’s high computing power to reduce latency between a request and the AI action. At the same time, the front camera provides additional context, so the AI can respond to voice inputs and gestures.

Price and availability

Loona DeskMate is set to be crowdfunded via Kickstarter, so an official launch date and price of the iPhone robot are still up in the air. Users who register their email address on the manufacturer’s website in advance can apparently benefit from $100 in savings when the product hits Kickstarter.

Source(s)

Keyi Tech

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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19593 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 6045 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

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