Perplexity Computer Can Now Run Entirely Offline on Your Mac

Perplexity is giving its Computer feature a major update for Apple users today. You can now use the app in a completely new local-first mode that processes everything directly on your device. This means the system no longer needs a constant internet connection to get things done. The upgrade gives people a practical way to complete daily tasks while keeping all their private data safely off the cloud.

The system handles your files directly on the device

This update follows the hybrid setup launched in September. That earlier version split the work between remote servers for general research and local power for private files. Now, both the artificial intelligence model and the directing agent live and work directly on your machine.

Planning out tasks, reasoning through problems, and handling files happen right where you sit. Your documents only leave the computer if you specifically click to give permission. When you approve access, the system works directly alongside built-in apps like Notes, Messages, Mail, and Numbers.

For example, you could ask the tool to scan your recent emails and messages for upcoming deadlines. It would then organize those dates into a handy checklist inside your Notes app. You always retain the choice to grant cloud access if a specific task requires fresh web information or outside browsers.

You need an Apple silicon Mac with at least 36GB of unified memory to run this properly. The local mode is available right now for Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers. Users can download Qwen 3.6 and PPLX Pro as their preferred AI models straight through the app settings.

Bringing these tools fully offline changes how we interact with personal data. Processing tasks locally protects user privacy while removing the need for a web connection. It turns a standard desktop computer into a much more capable and self-reliant daily assistant.