Personal Computer is the Perplexity Mac app, rebuilt from the ground up around Computer, Perplexity's web-based AI feature. It gives Perplexity access to your local files, native apps, voice control, and an always-on desktop experience. It is available on any Mac running macOS 14 Sonoma or later; best experienced on a Mac mini for continuous, always-on use.
Why use Personal Computer?
Local file access: Connect any folder on your Mac. Computer can read, write, and search your files directly.
Floating task bar: Use one keyboard shortcut to summon Computer anywhere on your desktop, so you stay in context while working.
App control: Operate Mail, Finder, Slack, Messages, Notes, and other native Mac apps directly through Computer.
Voice mode: Speak naturally to your Mac; Computer listens, understands context, and acts on what you say.
Always on: On a Mac mini, Computer runs 24/7 in the background, working even when your laptop is closed.
iPhone remote: Start tasks from your iPhone anywhere and pick up at your desk; your Mac keeps working either way.
How is Personal Computer different from Perplexity Computer?
Personal Computer is the superset; Computer is a feature within it. Perplexity Computer is web-based and runs tasks in the cloud. Personal Computer does everything Computer does, but it also has access to your local machine, including your files, apps, and desktop. It runs natively on macOS. If you have a Mac mini, it becomes an always-on agent that works even when your laptop is closed.
How does Personal Computer handle security?
Computer executes actions in an isolated sandbox environment. On-device authorization protects sensitive steps and gives you control over what happens on your Mac. If you are using a Mac mini, sessions are secured with two-factor authentication (2FA).
Do I need a Mac mini to use Personal Computer?
No. Personal Computer works on any Mac running macOS 14 Sonoma or later. The Mac mini is the best way to experience the always-on capability, since it can run continuously in the background. But you can download the Perplexity Mac app and use Personal Computer on any supported Mac.
How does model orchestration work?
Computer creates teams of agents across 20+ frontier models to accomplish your objective. It selects the best combination of models for each task automatically, so you do not need to choose a model manually.
Can I control Personal Computer remotely?
Yes. You can start, pause, or adjust tasks running on your Mac mini from your iPhone or any other device. This makes it useful for work that needs to continue overnight, over weekends, or while you are away from your desk.
What are the system requirements?
macOS 14 Sonoma or later
For always-on use, a Mac mini is recommended
How do I download Personal Computer?
Personal Computer is built into the Perplexity for Mac app. Download the app directly from perplexity.ai/personal-computer. The app ships as a DMG download, not through the Mac App Store.
What is the Comet browser in Personal Computer?
Comet is the built-in browser that Computer can control directly. It lets Computer browse, research, and automate web tasks without you needing to switch contexts or leave your current workflow.
Is Personal Computer available on Windows or Linux?
Personal Computer is currently available on macOS only. There is no Windows or Linux version at this time.