Punkt unveils MC03 privacy-first smartphone with Proton

Punkt has announced the MC03, a new minimalist smartphone built around a dual-environment approach to apps and data controls, with Proton services available on the device.

The Swiss company plans to show the handset at CES 2026. Punkt positions the MC03 as a privacy-focused alternative to mainstream smartphones. It links the launch to rising cyber incidents that involve mobile weaknesses.

Punkt said that in 2025 millions of European small and medium-sized businesses and around 20,000 large organisations were affected by cyber-attacks. It said an estimated 40% of those incidents traced back to mobile vulnerabilities.

Proton integration

The MC03 includes Proton in its "Vault" environment. Punkt said Proton is used by over 100 million people. It described Proton as the world's largest secure email platform.

The handset includes Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, Proton VPN and Proton Pass, according to Punkt. The company said those services run in an environment designed to minimise data exposure and tracking.

Petter Neby, Founder and CEO, Punkt, framed the product around user demand for privacy and the impact of AI-driven data use.

"Privacy is being sought by people more than ever before, particularly as we enter the age of AI," said Petter Neby, Founder and CEO, Punkt. "They are stressed and overwhelmed by the determination of Big Tech to track and monetise their every online movement. They recognise that this is not to their advantage but is a by-product of using mainstream smartphones. Punkt. offers them a solution - a modern, premium device without the need to compromise on their privacy."

Two environments

Punkt said the MC03 uses what it calls a dual-environment architecture. It splits apps and data into two areas, which the company calls Vault and Wild Web.

Vault acts as a protected enclave. It contains only trusted, Punkt approved apps, according to the company. Punkt said this area offers maximum privacy by default and uses a calm design focused user interface.

Wild Web acts as an open app environment. Punkt said users can install any app in this space. It said the device provides visible controls for privacy settings. Punkt said those controls allow users to block data triangulation, restrict permissions and prevent silent background tracking.

Operating system

The device runs AphyOS. Punkt described AphyOS as a hardened operating system. It said the software removes tracking technologies, bloatware and hidden services. It also targets unauthorised data flows.

Punkt said the operating system cuts out tracking and profiling technology, bloatware, hidden apps and background services. It said AphyOS eliminates spying and runs hardened code to block attacks. Punkt also said the handset includes a bank-grade Secure Element.

Punkt also highlighted a privacy control system it calls Ledger. It said Ledger gives users control over app permissions and access to data, sensors and background resources. Punkt said Ledger ranges from allowing all permissions to denying all requested permissions.

Ledger also includes a Carbon Reduction feature, according to Punkt. It said the feature gives users insights into the energy impact of installed apps and control over how those apps operate in the background.

App stores

The MC03 includes what Punkt calls an App Hub. Punkt said two app stores are available. One is a curated privacy-friendly store vetted by AphyOS and Punkt. The second provides access to widely available apps. Punkt said access to those apps activates only when a user chooses.

Built-in VPN

Punkt said the MC03 includes a built-in VPN called Digital Nomad. It said the VPN provides protected connectivity for users.

Manufacturing and hardware

Punkt said it manufactures the MC03 in Germany at Gigaset's production facility. The company described the handset as repairable. It also described it as using premium hardware.

Punkt said the MC03 includes a 120Hz OLED HDR display, a removable 5200mAh battery and IP68 water and dust resistance. It also listed a 64MP main camera.

Subscription model

Punkt said the MC03 follows a subscription-based model rather than an advertising-funded approach. It said that model clarifies the economic relationship between customer and provider.

The phone sells for €699 / CHF699 / £610, according to Punkt. A 12-month subscription to AphyOS from Apostrophy comes with the purchase price, the company said. Punkt said continued use after that period requires a paid subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

Punkt said the monthly subscription costs €9.99 / CHF9.99 / £8.99. It also said subscription bundles are available, including a three-year option at a 45% discount and a five-year option at a 60% discount on the standard monthly rate.

Partner comments

Andy Yen, Founder and CEO of Proton, linked the partnership to choice in the mobile market and privacy concerns.

"People deserve choice. Choice over the phone they use, choice the software they rely on and choice over who they share their private data with. For nearly twenty years we've all been denied these choices as two companies have dominated the mobile market and leveraged their dominance to shatter any notion of personal privacy. But things are changing. By working together with likeminded companies like Punkt. we hope we can inject a little more choice into the market place, giving users more ways to take control of their data and regain their privacy," said Yen.

Punkt said the MC03 is available to pre-order in Europe, with deliveries expected to commence at the end of January.