Astropad has introduced Workbench, a remote desktop system designed exclusively for Apple devices, including Mac, iPad, and iPhone. The new app enables users to engage with apps, navigate macOS, and manage system processes in real time from anywhere. Workbench supports native input methods like Apple Pencil, touch gestures, and keyboard input, all optimized for low latency and high-quality visuals.

To use Workbench, users need macOS 15 or newer, and iOS 26. The launch comes as Apple Silicon systems increasingly support demanding tasks beyond traditional desktop applications. Astropad frames Workbench as a remote desktop for the AI era, with features that suit this technological shift. It monitors and controls Macs running background jobs like AI agents, automation tasks, and long-running processes that usually operate unattended.

Workbench is designed for setups like a Mac mini configured as a dedicated compute node, where users must check logs, restart jobs, and make adjustments without direct access. As users rely on Apple Silicon machines for local AI processing and automation, remote visibility into these systems is crucial. Developers and enthusiasts now view Macs as always-on systems, not just desk-bound devices. Workbench has a free tier with 20 minutes of usage per day, with a paid plan available for $10 monthly or $50 annually.