Introduction: The Ultimate AI Remote Desktop Giveaway
For tech enthusiasts and AI power users, the Mac Mini has emerged as an ideal hub for running local agentic AI. Now, in collaboration with Astropad, MacRumors is offering readers a chance to win a fully equipped Mac Mini to pair with the innovative Workbench app. This giveaway is perfect for anyone looking to remotely control AI agents from their iPhone or iPad, whether for monitoring logs, restarting tasks, or managing long-running jobs.
What is Astropad Workbench?
Astropad is already known for its popular tools like Astropad Studio (turning an iPad into a drawing tablet for Mac) and Luna Display (using an iPad as a secondary Mac display). Workbench is a natural evolution, designed as a remote desktop app for the Mac with a focus on AI workflows. It leverages the same proprietary LIQUID engine that powers Luna Display and Astropad Studio, ensuring smooth, low-latency streaming.
Why Workbench for AI Agents?
With Workbench, you can supervise your AI agents from anywhere using an iPhone. It’s tailored for those who set up a Mac Mini as a personal server for platforms like OpenClaw or other agentic AI tools. Unlike basic terminal-only solutions (e.g., Remote Control for Claude Code), Workbench gives you full desktop access. You can check logs, verify completed tasks, restart failed processes, and reconnect to long-running jobs—all without being tied to your desk.
Key Features of Workbench
Workbench offers a comprehensive set of features that make remote AI management effortless:
- High-fidelity streaming with a unified virtual display for multiple monitors.
- Low latency and support for voice dictation, gestures, keyboard, mouse, and Apple Pencil.
- Mini-map navigation for large desktops.
- Multi-Mac management – switch between multiple Macs connected to a single Workbench account.
- Global relay network across 11 regions, requiring no network configuration.
- End-to-end encryption – no display recordings are captured or saved.
Compatibility & Pricing
Workbench requires macOS 15 or later, iPadOS 26 or later, and iOS 26 or later. It performs optimally on Apple silicon Macs, with limited support on Intel models. The app is free for 20 minutes daily; unlimited use costs $10 per month or $50 per year.
How to Enter the Giveaway
Astropad is giving away a Mac Mini with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. To participate, use the widget below and enter your email address. Emails are used solely for contact purposes to notify winners and deliver prizes. You can earn additional entries by:
- Subscribing to our weekly newsletter
- Subscribing to our YouTube channel
- Following us on Twitter, Instagram, or Threads
- Visiting the MacRumors Facebook page
Note: Due to international giveaway laws, this contest is open only to U.S. residents.
Final Thoughts
The combination of a Mac Mini and Astropad Workbench creates a powerful, portable AI command center. Whether you’re a developer, researcher, or hobbyist, being able to control your AI agents from your phone is a game-changer. Don’t miss your chance to win this setup—enter the giveaway today!