Astropad Launches Workbench, Offers Mac Mini in Exclusive Giveaway for Remote AI Agent Management

Breaking: Astropad Unveils Workbench App, Gives Away Mac Mini for AI Agent Orchestration

Astropad has launched Workbench, a remote desktop app designed specifically for managing AI agents, and is giving away a Mac mini to one lucky winner. The giveaway, in partnership with MacRumors, includes a 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Mac mini to run agentic AI workflows remotely from an iPhone or iPad.

“Workbench is a natural evolution of our existing products, bringing the power of local AI agents to users anywhere,” said an Astropad spokesperson. “The Mac mini has become the go-to platform for local agentic AI, and Workbench is the perfect companion app.”

Key Features of Workbench

Workbench uses Astropad’s proprietary LIQUID engine, previously developed for Luna Display and Astropad Studio. It provides full desktop access, not just terminal control—unlike basic tools like Remote Control for Claude Code.

The app includes high-fidelity streaming, unified virtual display for multiple monitors, low latency, voice dictation, gesture support, keyboard, mouse, and Apple Pencil input. A mini-map helps navigate large desktops.

Setup is simple with a global relay network across 11 regions; no network configuration is required. End-to-end encryption protects data, and no display recordings are saved.

System Requirements and Pricing

Workbench requires macOS 15, iPadOS 26, or iOS 26. It works best on Apple Silicon Macs, with limited support on Intel Macs. The app is free for 20 minutes daily, with unlimited access for $10/month or $50/year.

Background

Astropad previously developed Astropad Studio (iPad as drawing tablet for Mac) and Luna Display (iPad as secondary monitor). Workbench extends this remote access capability to AI agent management, targeting users who run local AI agents like OpenClaw on a headless Mac mini.

“People are setting up Mac minis as personal servers for AI agents, but they need a way to check logs, verify work, and restart tasks remotely,” explained a tech analyst. “Workbench fills that gap with a full desktop experience from a phone.”

What This Means

Workbench enables anyone to monitor and control AI agents from anywhere, without being tied to a desk. This could accelerate adoption of local agentic AI among developers, researchers, and hobbyists.

“With native apps for Mac, iPhone, and iPad, Astropad is making it trivial to interface with your Mac desktop from a mobile device,” the analyst added. “The giveaway highlights how accessible this setup can be.”

How to Enter the Giveaway

To enter, use the widget on the MacRumors site and provide an email address (used only for contact). Additional entries are available by subscribing to the MacRumors newsletter, YouTube channel, or following on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, or Facebook. Due to international laws, only U.S. residents are eligible.

“This is an exclusive opportunity to get a Mac mini ready for AI work without any cost,” said the spokesperson. “We hope it inspires more people to explore local agentic AI.”