PUNK
Remote control for local Claude Code that just works
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What is PUNK?
PUNK is an iPhone app that remotely controls Claude Code sessions running on your laptop. It acts as a thin phone interface while Claude Code does the actual execution locally on your machine, connected securely through a relay with no open ports required. The product is designed for people who want to start, monitor, and steer coding sessions away from their desk.
Its core value is making Claude Code usable from a pocket-sized device without giving up local execution. You can send prompts, resume or start sessions, approve or deny tool calls, manage multiple sessions in parallel, and switch between devices while keeping the same context. The app also supports lock-screen approvals, voice input, execution modes, skills, MCP servers, and slash commands.
PUNK emphasizes mobility and always-on access. The website describes it as a “mainframe and terminal” model, where your laptop is the mainframe and your phone is mission control. That framing suggests it is especially useful when you are commuting, away from your laptop, or simply want to keep agents moving while you step away.
It is aimed at developers and power users already using Claude Code who want more control, faster approvals, and a mobile workflow. The site also highlights uses beyond coding, such as managing Slack, iMessage, Reminders, and other logged-in services on your laptop through your phone. In practice, it is a remote-control layer for local AI work rather than a standalone AI chatbot.
PUNK pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
The website says PUNK is free while in beta on TestFlight. It is currently live on TestFlight for iOS, and access is requested through an invite flow. The site does not list paid plans, tiers, or add-on pricing, and it describes the app as free to join during beta.
PUNK pros
- Remote control for local Claude Code
- No open ports required
- Local execution stays on your laptop
- Approve or deny from lock screen
- Live Activities for permission requests
- Resume sessions instantly
- Start new sessions from phone
- Multiple parallel sessions
- Unified permission management
- Voice input support
- Access skills from phone
- Access MCP servers from phone
- Access slash commands from phone
- Works with Slack and iMessage
- Connect multiple devices
PUNK cons
- iPhone app only on TestFlight
- Requires Claude Code on a local machine
- Needs the CLI installed first
- Depends on a relay connection
- Not a cloud-hosted agent platform
- Limited to Claude Code workflows
- iOS-focused approval features
- Closed-lid laptop use may need sleep disabled
Frequently asked questions about PUNK
What is PUNK?
PUNK is a remote control app for Claude Code. Claude Code runs locally on your laptop, while PUNK gives you a phone interface to send prompts, review progress, approve tool calls, and manage sessions from anywhere.
Where does the AI run?
The AI runs on your laptop, not in the app itself. PUNK connects your iPhone to your local Claude Code sessions through a relay, so execution stays on your machine while the phone acts as the control surface.
Does PUNK need open network ports?
No. The website says the PUNK CLI connects outward over TLS, so your laptop never needs to accept incoming connections. It specifically says there are no open ports, no SSH tunnels, no firewall rules, and no VPN required.
Can I approve tool calls from my phone?
Yes. PUNK is built for approving or denying pending tool calls remotely, including from the lock screen through Live Activities. That lets you handle permission prompts without unlocking your phone or going back to the laptop.
Can I use voice input?
Yes. The site highlights AI voice input as a feature, positioned as a faster way to dictate instructions, ask questions, or describe what you want. It is meant for hands-free use when typing is inconvenient.
Can I run more than one session?
Yes. PUNK supports multiple Claude Code sessions in parallel. You can view them together, switch between them, monitor progress, and manage permissions across all of them in one place.
Does PUNK work on other devices besides iPhone?
The website says you can connect multiple devices, including iPhone and iPad, and switch between them while keeping the same sessions. The install flow and beta access are presented through iOS TestFlight.
What services can Claude Code reach through PUNK?
The site says Claude Code can use anything already on your laptop, including Slack, iMessage, Reminders, and other services you are already logged into. PUNK is the phone interface that lets you trigger those actions remotely.
How do I set it up?
The setup steps on the website are to install the CLI with npm, connect your laptop with punk connect, and then open the iPhone app to add the device by scanning a QR code. That establishes the relay between your laptop and phone.
Is PUNK free?
Yes, the website says it is free while in beta on TestFlight. It does not mention paid plans or a public pricing page, only that you can request access and receive an invite.