• Swiss technology company Punkt has introduced the MC03, a new privacy-focused smartphone unveiled at CES.
  • This device marks the company's second attempt at a touchscreen smartphone, following the 2023 MC02.
  • The MC03 runs on AphyOS, an operating system based on the Android Open Source Project, and features a user interface inspired by the Light Phone.
  • The device utilizes a dual-section data system: 'The Vault' for vetted privacy apps and 'Wild Web' for unrestricted Android app installation.

Quick Summary

The Swiss minimal phone pioneer Punkt has unveiled the MC03, a new smartphone focused on privacy and digital minimalism. Unveiled at CES, this device follows the 2023 MC02 and represents a shift from the company's earlier physical button designs to a touchscreen format.

Key features of the new handset include the AphyOS operating system, a dual-partition data structure, and deep integration with Proton privacy services. The phone prioritizes user control through a unique permission system called Ledger, allowing for granular management of app data access.

While the hardware is not cutting-edge, it includes practical features such as a high-refresh-rate OLED display, a large removable battery, and a high-resolution camera. The device is currently set to ship in the European market with a mandatory subscription model.

Design Philosophy and Operating System

Punkt has established a reputation for creating gorgeously minimal devices, with its MP01 model even being displayed in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The new MC03 continues this legacy of design but moves away from the tactile buttons of previous models toward a more flexible touchscreen interface. This shift allows for a different kind of utility, trading physical beauty for digital flexibility.

The smartphone runs on AphyOS, a privacy- and security-focused operating system based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The user interface appears to borrow inspiration from the Light Phone line, featuring a row of text-based shortcuts for common functions like mail, contacts, and calendar.

Punkt has designed the operating system to split data into two distinct sections:

  • The Vault: A secure enclave containing apps that Punkt has vetted for privacy and security.
  • Wild Web: A section that grants users the freedom to install any Android application.
inject a little more choice into the marketplace, giving users more ways to take control of their data and regain their privacy.
— Andy Yen, Proton founder and CEO

Privacy Controls and Proton Integration

To protect users while using the Wild Web section, the MC03 includes a feature called Ledger. Punkt describes Ledger as "strict, visible safeguards that allow easy privacy controls." Functioning similarly to Android's Permission Manager, Ledger allows users to define which data, sensors, and background resources each app can access. This system provides gradual control over personal data, though it requires users to approve or deny permissions for installed applications.

A significant aspect of the Punkt ecosystem is the inclusion of all apps from the Swiss company Proton within The Vault. These applications include:

  • Proton Mail
  • Proton Calendar
  • Proton Drive
  • Proton VPN
  • Proton Pass

Andy Yen, the founder and CEO of Proton, commented on the collaboration. He stated that he hopes the partnership can "inject a little more choice into the marketplace, giving users more ways to take control of their data and regain their privacy."

Hardware Specifications and Pricing

The MC03 is not marketed as a device for users seeking cutting-edge hardware specifications. Instead, it focuses on functional components that support its software goals. The phone features an OLED display with a high 120Hz frame rate, which is particularly effective for the device's clean, black user interface.

Hardware details include:

  • Battery: A removable 5,200mAh battery.
  • Camera: A 64MP camera sensor.
  • Durability: An IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Regarding availability, shipments for the Punkt MC03 began this month in the European market. The device is priced at €699 (equivalent to CHF699 or £610).

Consistent with previous Punkt models, the MC03 requires a subscription service. The company frames this cost as paying to retain data rather than paying with data. One year of the subscription is included with the purchase. Following the initial year, the service costs €9.99 monthly (CHF9.99 or £8.99). Users can save up to 60 percent by paying for a long-term subscription upfront.

"strict, visible safeguards that allow easy privacy controls."

— Punkt

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Punkt MC03?

The Punkt MC03 is a new smartphone from Swiss company Punkt that focuses on privacy and digital minimalism. It runs on AphyOS and features a dual-partition system for managing apps and data.

How much does the Punkt MC03 cost?

The device costs €699 / CHF699 / £610. It requires a monthly subscription of €9.99 / CHF9.99 / £8.99 after the first year, which is included in the purchase price.

What operating system does the MC03 use?

It uses AphyOS, which is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It includes a feature called Ledger for managing app permissions and data access.