Your iPhone Is the Brain: Yoona DeskMate Debuts at CES 2026

The smartest AI robot on your desk might not even have a screen. According to The Verge, a startup called Yoona has unveiled the 'DeskMate' at CES 2026. It's a clever desktop charging hub that transforms your smartphone into a fully functional AI companion the moment you dock it.

Yoona DeskMate: Transforming iPhone into an AI Sidekick

On the surface, it's a powerhouse of a hub. It features three USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a MagSafe pad. But its true magic lies in its integration. When you snap your iPhone onto the wireless charger, it automatically triggers a dedicated AI companion app, turning the phone's hardware into the robot's face and ears.

What makes the DeskMate stand out is its lack of redundant hardware. It doesn't include its own display, camera, or microphone because it doesn't need to—it uses yours. By leveraging the tech you already carry in your pocket, Yoona avoids the 'clutter' of extra gadgets while keeping the price point accessible for early adopters.

Replacing the Traditional Desktop Charger

For now, the device is iPhone-only. Its design philosophy is simple: why add another screen to your desk when your phone is the best screen you own? It aims to replace the standard charger you already have, adding intelligence to a space that was previously just for power.