In This Article
Introduction
A "Mobile Companion App" is on the OpenClaw Foundation roadmap — a native iOS and Android app that provides an alternative to messaging-app interfaces. Today, most OpenClaw users interact with their agent through Telegram, WhatsApp, or Slack. That works. But the Foundation envisions a dedicated app: purpose-built for OpenClaw, with push notifications, offline support, and native UX. The goal isn't to replace messaging — it's to offer choice. Some users want their agent in the same inbox as their friends. Others want a separate, focused experience.
This post covers the Mobile Companion App vision: what it would offer, why messaging remains the primary interface for now, who the app is for, and when we might see it.
Vision
The Companion App would be a first-class OpenClaw client. Not a wrapper around Telegram's API. Not a web view. A native app that talks directly to your OpenClaw instance. You'd open it, see your conversation history, send a message, get a response. Push notifications would arrive even when the app is closed. Offline mode would queue messages and sync when you're back online. The experience would feel like a dedicated AI assistant app — because that's what it would be.
Native App Benefits
Push notifications without dependency: Today, push notifications depend on Telegram or WhatsApp. If those platforms change their policies or APIs, OpenClaw users are affected. A native app controls its own notification stack. No middleman.
Richer UI: Messaging apps are constrained. A native app could offer: memory browsing (search, filter, edit), skill management (install, configure, disable), conversation threading, file attachments with preview, and settings all in one place. The UX could be tailored to OpenClaw's model, not a generic chat interface.
Offline message queue: Compose when offline. Send when connected. Messaging apps do this, but a native app could optimize for agent-specific workflows — e.g., "draft a task, send when I'm back on WiFi."
App Store discoverability: "OpenClaw" in the App Store. Users searching for "AI assistant" or "personal agent" might find it. Today, discovery is word-of-mouth and GitHub. An app changes that.
Why Messaging Still Wins
Many users prefer WhatsApp and Telegram. The Foundation acknowledges this. Reasons:
- Already there: No new app to open. Users check WhatsApp 20 times a day. Adding the agent to that flow is frictionless.
- Unified inbox: Human and AI in the same place. "Message my wife, message my agent" — one app.
- Cross-device: Message from phone, continue on desktop. Telegram and WhatsApp have excellent multi-device sync.
- Trust: Users already trust these apps with their conversations. A new app has to earn that.
The Companion App is for users who want a dedicated experience. Who don't want to mix AI and personal chat. Who want the richest possible OpenClaw UI. That's a segment — not the majority. Messaging remains the primary interface.
Complement, Not Replace
The Foundation has been clear: the Companion App will complement, not replace, messaging. Both will be supported. Users can use Telegram today and add the Companion App later — or use both for different contexts. The goal is flexibility, not forcing a single interface.
Likely Features
Based on roadmap discussions, the Companion App would likely include: (1) conversation history with search, (2) memory browser and editor, (3) skill install/configure from a curated list, (4) push notifications for agent responses, (5) offline queue, (6) QR code pairing for initial setup (aligning with QR onboarding). Exact feature set will depend on development priorities.
Timeline
Target: mid-2026. The Foundation is prioritizing the Extension Marketplace and security hardening first. The mobile app is Phase 2. App Store approval, cross-platform parity, and maintenance add complexity — so the timeline could shift. Watch the roadmap for updates.
Who It's For
The Companion App is for: (1) users who don't want to use personal messaging apps for AI, (2) power users who want the richest UI for memory and skills, (3) users who want App Store discoverability and a "real app" experience, (4) households adopting OpenClaw who prefer a dedicated family agent app. If you're happy with Telegram, you can stay there. The app expands options; it doesn't force a switch.
Wrapping Up
The Mobile Companion App will expand OpenClaw's reach. Messaging remains the primary interface for now — and that's by design. The Foundation is building for both. See roadmap for updates. If you're planning integrations, assume messaging-first; the Companion App will layer on top when it ships.