Perplexity has updated its Computer feature so that it can run entirely on a Mac, keeping AI models, task planning, reasoning, and file processing on the device. The fully local mode is available now to Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers through the Perplexity app for Mac on supported Apple silicon machines.
In the local setup, both the model and the agent that directs the work stay on the Mac. Tasks involving local files and native apps — such as Notes, Messages, Mail, Keynote, and Numbers — can complete without personal data leaving the machine. Code and tool execution take place in isolated sandbox environments. Perplexity recommends 36 GB of unified memory or more for the best experience and points to the newest Mac mini configurations as strong options for continuous use.
Users choose between two local models: Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro, a version of Qwen that Perplexity has further trained. After downloading the latest Mac app, subscribers follow in-app steps to install one of the models and then select the fully local option when starting a task. Local runs do not consume Computer credits.
For machines with less memory, or for work that needs up-to-date information, browser access, or cloud-connected tools, Perplexity continues to offer Hybrid Compute. This mode pairs frontier models in the cloud for research and reasoning with a local model that handles private files. A privacy layer can flag or mask personal information and require approval before anything reaches the cloud. Hybrid Compute functions on Macs with as little as 24 GB of memory. Users can still authorize limited cloud access or call on more than 15 frontier models for harder problems while deciding when to spend credits.
MacDailyNews Take: The change gives Mac owners greater control over sensitive data as more capable AI workflows become practical to run on-device. Anyone with a qualifying subscription and a supported Apple Silicon Mac can download the Perplexity Mac app, set up a local model, and begin using the fully local mode immediately.
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