Perplexity has rolled out a major update to its Computer agent, enabling it to run entirely on a Mac without relying on cloud servers. The company says the new local-first mode lets users complete tasks across native apps and files even when the device is offline.
The update marks a shift in how AI agents handle sensitive data. Instead of sending information to remote servers, Perplexity Computer now processes requests directly on the device. The company says this approach reduces exposure of personal files, messages, and other private material.
Perplexity said both the Computer agent and its underlying model now run on Apple Silicon Macs. The local model, called PPLX Pro, is a post-trained version of Qwen. It handles task planning and execution on the device itself.
Users can ask Computer to organise files, work within Mac applications, or complete multi-step tasks without an internet connection. The company says local tasks do not consume Computer credits, which could make the feature attractive for heavy users.
The local mode also supports a hybrid setup. When a task requires more advanced reasoning, Computer can call a cloud model, but only after the user approves the request. This gives users control over when data leaves their device.
The biggest catch is hardware. Perplexity recommends at least 36GB of unified memory for running Computer locally. This requirement rules out many standard Mac configurations, including most MacBook Airs, base iMacs, and entry-level Mac mini models.
Apple Silicon Macs with 36GB or more of memory remain a premium segment. The move puts Perplexity in direct competition with other AI firms pushing on-device processing. As privacy concerns grow, local AI execution is becoming a key differentiator. Perplexity’s decision to run both the agent and model locally signals confidence in Apple Silicon’s capabilities.
Also Read: UAE Launches AI-Powered VAT Refund Platform for Tourists