Perplexity Computer Runs Fully Local on Mac
Perplexity says its AI agent, Computer, can now run entirely on a Mac, with the model, planning and task execution all handled on the device. The company announced the fully local mode on October 20 for paying subscribers. It comes with a notable hardware requirement.
Key Highlights
- The fully local mode is available now in Perplexity’s Mac app for Pro, Max and Enterprise subscribers, according to Perplexity and MacRumors.
- Perplexity recommends 36 GB of memory or more.
- Two local models are offered: Qwen 3.6 and PPLX Pro, Perplexity’s post-trained version of Qwen.
- Perplexity says local tasks do not send personal data to the cloud. That is the company’s claim, and it has not been independently verified.
What Launched
Perplexity said the AI model, the agent harness and task execution can all run on the device. With permission, Computer can work across local files and Mac apps such as Notes and Mail. MacRumors added Messages, Keynote and Numbers to the list.
One example from Perplexity is reviewing recent messages and emails, finding deadlines and building an action list in Notes, 9to5Mac reported. The outlet said tasks can run without an internet connection.
Setup involves downloading the latest Mac app, downloading a local model inside it and choosing the fully local option, Yahoo Tech reported.
The Memory Requirement
Perplexity recommends 36 GB or more for local operation on supported Apple silicon Macs. AppleInsider called the recommendation steep and said it limits real deployments. It also noted that Perplexity has not released benchmark results showing how full workflows perform on different Mac configurations.
For Macs with less memory, MacRumors said Perplexity’s Hybrid Compute option works with as little as 24 GB. Hybrid Compute splits work between cloud models and a local model.
Cloud Access When Needed
Local does not have to mean cloud-free. MacRumors reported that users can authorize cloud access when a task needs current information, browser use or cloud-connected apps, and can decide when to spend credits. Yahoo Tech said local tasks do not use Computer credits.
iClarified reported that the agent can also call on more than 15 frontier models for advanced reasoning when authorized.
Privacy and Security
Perplexity says code and tool execution run in isolated sandboxes with controlled access to files and apps. AppleInsider noted the announcement does not say whether the local agent needs Full Disk Access on the Mac.
As AI agents take actions on users’ behalf, questions of responsibility are growing. See our report on AI agents in banking and who is responsible for mistakes.
Where This Fits
Perplexity described the release as the third step after bringing Computer to local files and Mac apps earlier this year and launching Hybrid Compute in September, according to 9to5Mac.
What Remains Uncertain
No independent testing of the local mode was found in the reporting reviewed. It is unclear how well it performs on a 36 GB Mac, how the local models compare with cloud models, and what system permissions the agent needs.
What to Watch Next
- Independent benchmarks of local performance.
- Clearer detail on permissions and data handling.
- Whether Perplexity widens the memory options.
Sources: Perplexity, MacRumors, 9to5Mac, AppleInsider, Yahoo Tech, iClarified, Dataconomy. This article will be updated as more information is confirmed.