Unplugged UP Phone Relaunches with Enhanced Privacy System and New User Experience

Unplugged has relaunched its UP Phone with a new CEO, Joe Weil, and a focus on privacy. The smartphone features a powerful on-device Firewall, a proprietary OS, and a refreshed user experience. Tests by Raxis showed that UP Phone outperformed Apple and Samsung in blocking third-party data harvesting connections and data transmissions. The phone is designed to protect customer privacy and serve the user, not the company that made it.

Unplugged, a privacy-first technology company, has announced a significant update to its flagship smartphone, the UP Phone. Led by former Apple product leader Joe Weil, who was appointed CEO earlier this year, the relaunch focuses on delivering robust privacy features and a user-centric experience.

The new UP Phone integrates a powerful on-device Firewall, a proprietary operating system (UnpluggedOS), and a refreshed user interface. The Firewall blocks third-party tracking and data harvesting attempts, providing real-time visibility into these activities. UnpluggedOS is built independently of major tech ecosystems, eliminating surveillance and data harvesting at the source.

Independent tests conducted by cybersecurity firm Raxis revealed that UP Phone outperformed Apple's iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S25 in blocking third-party data harvesting connections and data transmissions [1]. Within a one-hour testing window, UP Phone did not show any evidence of DNS lookups or data packets sent or received from third-party tracking sites.

The phone includes a streamlined dashboard for managing privacy settings, a Privacy Center app for easy management, and features like Time Away to monitor unauthorized access. It also offers advanced features such as Lost Mode, Emergency Reset, Scheduled Reboot, and a built-in, no-logs VPN for secure connections.

UP Phone is priced at $989 and is available for pre-order with shipping starting in mid-September. Privacy services, including VPN, antivirus, and cloud photo storage, are available through a $12.99 monthly or $129.99 annual subscription. The phone is fully compatible with major carriers and mobile virtual network operators.

Unplugged's commitment to open-source transparency is evident in its decision to make the Firewall open source, allowing developers and security professionals to audit and verify its security. The company also plans to manufacture the phone in the U.S., creating jobs domestically and reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unplugged-relaunches-up-phone-under-new-ceo-with-a-powerful-privacy-system-and-all-new-experience-302527055.html