Welcome to our special Q&A about the latest MacRumors giveaway in partnership with Astropad. This time, we're offering readers a chance to win a Mac Mini to supercharge their AI workflows using Astropad's innovative Workbench app. Below, we answer all your burning questions about the prize, the app, and how you can enter.

1. What is the MacRumors and Astropad giveaway?

MacRumors has teamed up with Astropad to give away a brand-new Mac Mini equipped with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The winner will be able to use this compact powerhouse to run local agentic AI platforms, such as OpenClaw, and control them remotely with Astropad's Workbench app. To enter, simply use the widget on the giveaway page and provide your email address. You can earn extra entries by subscribing to our newsletter, following us on social media, or visiting our Facebook page. Due to international regulations, the giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be contacted via email—no other use will be made of your address.

2. Who is Astropad and what is Workbench?

Astropad is the company behind popular tools like Astropad Studio and Luna Display. Astropad Studio lets you use an iPad as a drawing tablet connected to a Mac, while Luna Display turns an iPad into a secondary display. Their newest app, Workbench, is a natural evolution: a remote desktop solution built specifically for AI agent management. Workbench uses the same LIQUID engine as Luna Display and Astropad Studio, ensuring smooth, low-latency streaming. It connects your Mac Mini to your iPhone or iPad, allowing you to monitor and control AI tasks from anywhere.

3. Why is the Mac Mini ideal for agentic AI with Workbench?

The Mac Mini has become the go-to platform for local agentic AI because of its powerful Apple Silicon chips and compact form factor. When paired with Workbench, it acts as a personal server that you can access remotely. Workbench provides full desktop control—unlike basic terminal tools like Remote Control for Claude Code, which only offer command-line access. With Workbench, you can check logs, restart failed tasks, or inspect long-running jobs directly from your iPhone or iPad. This setup is perfect for developers and AI enthusiasts who want a dedicated, always-on machine for their autonomous agents without needing to stay at their desk.

4. What can you do with Workbench on iPhone or iPad?

Workbench gives you the ability to control your Mac Mini's desktop entirely from an iPhone or iPad. You can monitor AI agent progress, verify work, and troubleshoot issues on the go. The app supports voice dictation, gestures, keyboard input, mouse, and Apple Pencil, so you can interact naturally. For multi-monitor setups, a unified virtual display streams all screens, and a mini-map helps navigate large desktops. You can even quickly switch between multiple Macs linked to your Workbench account. Whether you're checking logs during a commute or restarting a task from a coffee shop, Workbench keeps you connected.

5. What are the key features of Workbench?

Workbench offers high-fidelity streaming with low latency, thanks to its efficient LIQUID engine. It supports end-to-end encryption for security and does not capture or save any display recordings. Setup is simple—a global relay network across 11 regions eliminates the need for complex network configuration. Additional features include a unified virtual display for multiple monitors, voice dictation, and multiple control options (gestures, keyboard, mouse, Apple Pencil). The app also provides a mini-map for large desktops. These capabilities make it far more full-featured than simpler remote access tools, giving you complete control over your AI agents.

6. What are the system requirements and pricing?

Workbench requires macOS 15 or later on the Mac side, and iPadOS 26 or iOS 26 or later on mobile devices. It works best on Apple Silicon Macs (like the M-series chips) and offers limited support on Intel Macs. The app is free to use for 20 minutes each day. For unlimited access, there's a paid plan at $10 per month or $50 per year. This pricing makes it accessible for casual users while providing a valuable tool for professionals who rely on constant remote access to their AI systems.

7. How can I enter the giveaway and what are the rules?

Entering is easy: use the giveaway widget on the promotion page and input your email address. That email will only be used to contact the winner. You can increase your chances by earning additional entries through actions like subscribing to the MacRumors weekly newsletter, following us on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, or Facebook, or subscribing to our YouTube channel. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only due to complex international laws. The winner will receive a Mac Mini with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, perfect for running agentic AI with Astropad Workbench. Act fast—entries close soon!