By Sucharita Ganguly
Publication Date: 2026-10-21 11:57:00
Perplexity has launched a version of Computer that runs entirely on Mac, letting users run AI models and handle multi-step tasks on supported Apple silicon devices. With permission, it can work across private files and supported apps without sending personal data to the cloud. Users can choose how tasks are processed and manage their credit usage. The feature is available through the Perplexity Mac app to Pro, Max and Enterprise subscribers.
Perplexity first introduced Personal Computer for Mac in May, allowing Computer to work with local files and native Mac apps. Last month, it added Hybrid Compute, which combines cloud-based reasoning with on-device processing of private information. The new option runs the AI model, agent and task execution entirely on the Mac.
Perplexity Computer Features and Security
Perplexity’s local Computer supports two modes, including fully local processing and Hybrid Compute. The latter combines cloud-based research and reasoning with on-device processing of private information. In fully local mode, the AI model, planning and task execution all run on the Mac.
Users can run local tasks with Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro, a version of Qwen that Perplexity has further trained. They can also choose when a task needs cloud access. For instance, someone reviewing an investment portfolio can use locally stored holdings and market data, then bring in Hybrid Compute if they need fresh market research. Users can also allow cloud access for browser use, current…
