Punkt, the Swiss company known for minimal phones, has unveiled its latest privacy-focused smartphone, the MC03, ahead of CES 2026. The device builds on the firm’s emphasis on privacy, security, and digital minimalism.
Punkt gained recognition with its MP01 and MP02 dumbphones, which feature simple designs and physical buttons. The MP01 is displayed at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The MC03 marks the company’s second touchscreen smartphone, succeeding the MC02 released in 2023. It trades aesthetic minimalism for greater functionality.
The MC03 operates on AphyOS, a customized version of the Android Open Source Project. The user interface includes a row of text icons for essential functions such as mail, contacts, and calendar, resembling the design of Light Phone devices.
Data on the MC03 divides into two areas. The Vault serves as a secure zone for apps vetted by Punkt for privacy and security standards. The Wild Web area permits installation of any Android application. Ledger, a control system in the Wild Web, offers detailed permission settings for each app, covering data access, sensors, and background resources. These controls function similarly to Android’s Permission Manager, requiring users to approve or deny permissions individually.
All Proton applications are pre-approved for The Vault. These include Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, Proton VPN, and Proton Pass. Proton founder and CEO Andy Yen stated that the collaboration aims to “inject a little more choice into the marketplace, giving users more ways to take control of their data and regain their privacy.”
Hardware specifications prioritize reliability over flagship performance. The phone features a 120Hz OLED display, a removable 5,200mAh battery, a 64MP camera, and IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
Shipments of the MC03 start this month in Europe. The device retails for €699, CHF699, or £610. Purchases include one year of subscription service, which Punkt positions as a fee to retain user data sovereignty. After the initial year, the subscription costs €9.99, CHF9.99, or £8.99 per month. Long-term subscriptions provide savings of up to 60 percent. More details appear on Punkt’s website.
CES 2026 runs from January 6 to 9 in Las Vegas. Engadget plans live coverage, including blogs of key press conferences, hands-on previews, news articles, roundups, and analyses during the event. Pre-event previews outline expected announcements.
