TL;DR
Punkt introduced the MC03 at CES 2026 as a privacy‑focused handset that avoids Google services and runs AphyOS. The device brings a redesigned onboarding flow, a removable battery, upgraded cameras, and a dual app approach that separates vetted apps from an optional Play Store zone.
What happened
Punkt, the Swiss maker known for minimalist phones, unveiled the MC03 at CES 2026 as a follow-up to the troubled MC02. Built in Germany, the MC03 runs AphyOS — a privacy‑oriented operating system that aims to block tracking, background profiling and unwanted bloat. Punkt has reworked the setup experience to be more conventional and added a choice to install the Google Play Store during onboarding. The company is shipping the OS with a curated app space called The Vault and a separate Wild Web area for apps from the Play Store or other sources. Hardware highlights include a 6.67‑inch 120Hz OLED screen, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, 8GB of RAM, a removable 5,200mAh battery, a new 64MP main sensor and a 32MP selfie camera. The phone is not Google certified, is available for preorder in Europe, will reach the U.S. in spring, and is priced at $699 with a 12‑month AphyOS/security subscription included.
Why it matters
- Offers a privacy‑first alternative to mainstream Android phones by excluding Google Mobile Services.
- Simplified onboarding could make non‑GMS devices more accessible to mainstream users.
- Removable battery and mandated multi‑year update support align the device with emerging EU right‑to‑repair and longevity rules.
- Separation of vetted apps and an optional Play Store gives users clearer control over app provenance and permissions.
Key facts
- MC03 debuted at CES 2026 and is made in Germany.
- Display: 6.67‑inch OLED with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor and memory: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 with 8GB RAM.
- Cameras: new 64MP main sensor; new 32MP selfie camera (upgraded from 24MP on MC02).
- Battery: removable 5,200mAh pack; Punkt will sell replacement batteries and must supply them for at least seven years under EU rules.
- Software: runs AphyOS, which aims to eliminate tracking and background services; Punkt provides a curated app store (The Vault) and a Wild Web area for Play Store apps.
- No Google Mobile Services; phone is not Google certified, but users can opt to install the Play Store during setup.
- Price and subscription: $699 preorder price in Europe includes 12 months of AphyOS and security services; after year one AphyOS costs $10 per month.
- If you stop paying the subscription the phone remains usable for calls, camera and Play Store apps and continues to receive security updates, but loses certain AphyOS features (VPN, some secure services) after a grace period.
What to watch next
- Activation and rollout of contactless payments via Fidesmo and when the feature will arrive by software update.
- Real‑world usability and camera performance in reviews to see how the MC03 improves on the MC02.
- not confirmed in the source: final battery replacement price and exact US pricing at launch.
- not confirmed in the source: which banking apps will function without Google Mobile Services across different markets.
Quick glossary
- AphyOS: A privacy‑focused mobile operating system designed to limit tracking, background profiling and preinstalled services.
- Google Mobile Services (GMS): A collection of Google apps and APIs commonly bundled with Android devices; phones without GMS lack Google’s core services by default.
- Secure element: A tamper‑resistant chip used to store sensitive data such as payment credentials for contactless transactions.
- Removable battery: A battery that can be removed and replaced by the user without specialized factory repairs, supporting device longevity and compliance with some regulations.
Reader FAQ
Is the Punkt MC03 Google certified?
No. The MC03 does not include Google Mobile Services by default and is not Google certified.
Can I install Google Play apps on the MC03?
Yes. Punkt added an option during onboarding to install the Play Store and also provides a Wild Web area for installing apps from the Play Store or other sources.
What happens if I don’t renew the AphyOS subscription?
The phone will continue to operate for calls, camera use and Play Store apps and will receive security updates, but access to key AphyOS features (such as the standard VPN and some secure services) will be disabled after a grace period.
Does the phone support contactless payments out of the box?
Punkt has included a secure element and is working with Fidesmo to enable contactless payments; the feature is being negotiated and will be activated via a software update when ready.
Can you de-Google without the headache? Punkt thinks the MC03 is the answer By Andy Boxall Published 23 minutes ago Andy is a seasoned technology journalist with more than 15…
Sources
- Can you de-Google without the headache? Punkt thinks the MC03 is the answer
- Punkt. MC03 Premium Secure Smartphone + 1 year …
- Punkt launches privacy-focused MC03 smartphone
- Punkt launches a radically simple phone
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