TL;DR
Loona unveiled the DeskMate at CES: a desktop charging hub that activates an AI companion app when you attach an iPhone to its MagSafe pad. The motorized stand can pan and tilt to keep the phone’s camera framed on you, and the device also doubles as a multiport charger.
What happened
At CES, Loona demonstrated the DeskMate, a desktop accessory that combines a charging station with a motorized stand designed to host an iPhone-driven AI companion. The unit includes a MagSafe wireless charging pad, three USB-C ports and a USB-A port, and it automatically launches an associated AI app when an iPhone is docked. Because the DeskMate relies on the phone for display, camera and microphone, it omits its own screen and sensors; the stand instead moves to keep the phone’s camera pointed at the user as they interact. Loona highlighted software integrations such as Slack support and meeting-assist features during the demo. When no phone is attached, the DeskMate functions as an oversized charger. The company plans a crowdfunding launch in March and has indicated a final price will be under $300, though no firm retail price was provided.
Why it matters
- Leverages hardware users already own (iPhone display, camera, mic) rather than adding duplicate components.
- Combines charging and AI-assisted interaction into a single desktop object, potentially reducing device clutter.
- Motorized tracking could improve video calls and hands-free interactions with AI assistants.
- Price and platform limits may affect adoption — it’s iPhone-only for now and the expected cost is relatively high.
Key facts
- Product name: DeskMate, by Loona; shown at CES 2026.
- Ports: three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, plus a MagSafe wireless charging pad.
- Automatically launches an AI companion app when an iPhone is attached to the wireless charger.
- Stand can pan and tilt to keep the phone’s camera oriented toward the user.
- Relies on the iPhone for display, camera and microphone — the DeskMate has no built-in screen or sensors.
- Includes software features demonstrated such as Slack integration and meeting assistance.
- Acts as a standard charging hub when no phone is attached.
- Loona plans a crowdfunding campaign in March; the company said the price will be below $300 but provided no final figure.
- Device is iPhone-only as presented at CES.
What to watch next
- Final retail price and how it compares to other smart-desk accessories.
- Whether Loona will add support for Android phones or other platforms (not confirmed in the source).
- Detailed specifics of the AI companion’s features, data handling and privacy policies (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- MagSafe: Apple’s magnetic wireless charging standard that aligns compatible iPhones to a charging coil for more reliable wireless power delivery.
- USB-C: A common reversible connector standard used for charging and data transfer on many modern devices.
- AI companion: A software assistant that uses artificial intelligence to interact with users, provide information, and assist with tasks.
- Crowdfunding: A method of raising funds for a project or product by collecting small contributions from many people, often via an online platform.
Reader FAQ
Does the DeskMate have its own camera or display?
No — it uses the attached iPhone’s screen, camera and microphone instead of having built-in sensors or a display.
Will DeskMate work with Android phones?
Not confirmed in the source.
How much will the DeskMate cost?
Loona said the price will be below $300 but a final retail figure was not provided.
When will it be available to buy?
Loona plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign in March; broader availability or ship dates were not confirmed in the source.
TECH AI GADGETS This desktop charger turns your iPhone into a robotic AI assistant Loona DeskMate can pan and tilt to keep your iPhone camera following you. by Dominic Preston…
Sources
- This desktop charger turns your iPhone into a robotic AI assistant
- Leak reveals what Sam Altman and Jony Ive are cooking up
- New Cozy Desk Accessory: MagSafe Phone Stand and …
- The best multi-device wireless charging pads for 2026
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