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Perplexity adds local-first Computer mode to Mac app

Perplexity's Mac app can now run Computer fully on-device and offline, with a 36GB Apple silicon requirement.

AI News Feed · 2026-10-21 01:17

The option extends Hybrid Compute, which Perplexity introduced in September. That feature split tasks between cloud models for research and reasoning and a local model for working with private files. Local-first mode goes further by running both the AI model and the agent directing the task on the Mac, according to 9to5Mac. Perplexity says planning, reasoning and file processing can all take place on the device, with files reaching the cloud only when the user approves.

With permission, Computer can work with local files and supported Mac apps including Notes, Messages, Mail and Numbers. Perplexity's example is reviewing recent messages and emails, identifying deadlines and creating an action list in Notes. Engadget reported that a user could ask Computer to generate a priority to-do list without email data being sent to the cloud.

Users can still authorize cloud access when a task needs current information, browser use or connected apps, 9to5Mac reported. Hybrid Compute also remains available in the same Mac app. Engadget reported that users can call on more than 15 models if a task would benefit from a frontier system. Perplexity says code or tool execution is done in an isolated sandbox environment, and that the same security protocols persist in the cloud version of Computer.

The local mode launches with two local model options: Qwen 3.6 and PPLX Pro, which users can download and set up through the app, according to 9to5Mac. Engadget reported that PPLX Pro is a Perplexity offshoot of Qwen 3.6 that the company post-trained for Computer use.

Subscribers can begin using Computer locally after downloading and installing the latest version of the Perplexity Mac app and following in-app instructions to install a local model, Engadget reported. Both reports said the feature requires a recent Apple silicon Mac with at least 36GB of memory.

"As more demanding workflows become practical to run locally, the machines people already own will take on a larger share of their AI work," Perplexity said, according to Engadget. The company said this gives users more control over sensitive data and credit spend.