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Perplexity Computer Now Runs Fully Local on Mac
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Perplexity Computer Now Runs Fully Local on Mac

Perplexity launched a fully local mode for its Computer AI agent on Mac, enabling tasks to run without sending private data to the cloud.

Ammar Rahimi · 22 October 2026 · 4 min read

Perplexity announced on October 20, 2026 that its Computer AI agent can now run entirely locally on Apple silicon Macs. Both the AI model and the agent directing the task operate on the device, letting users manage private files and Mac apps without sending sensitive data to the cloud.

1. What changed

Previously, Perplexity offered Hybrid Compute, which split tasks between cloud models for research and local models for private file processing. The fully local mode goes further: both the model and the directing agent run on the Mac itself. Planning, reasoning, and file processing all happen on device.

Users can choose between two local models: Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro, a version of Qwen further trained by Perplexity. Local tasks do not consume Computer credits, meaning users run work without additional cost. If a task needs current information, browser access, or cloud-connected apps, users can authorize cloud access manually.

2. Access to Mac files and apps

With user permission, Computer can work across local files and supported Mac apps, including Notes, Messages, Mail, and Numbers. The agent can read a to-do list in Notes, check a teammate's request in Messages, pull spending data from Excel, then prepare a status update and send a meeting invitation.

Other examples include drafting a client proposal from confidential meeting notes and internal rate sheets, or reviewing a private portfolio against downloaded market data. All file processing happens on the Mac, not on cloud servers.

3. Security and controlled access

Perplexity states that code execution and tool operations run in isolated sandbox environments with controlled access to files and apps. The same security protocols apply in the cloud version of Perplexity Computer.

Local processing does not mean every task is fully internet-free. Sending an email or accessing an online service still requires a network connection, even though the AI model itself runs on the Mac. Apple is also tightening Full Disk Access controls on macOS to protect private data from overreaching AI apps, a move announced on October 2, 2026.

4. Hardware requirements are fairly steep

Perplexity recommends at least 36 GB of unified memory for the best local experience. This exceeds the maximum capacity of some recent Apple silicon Macs. The standard M6 Mac mini supports up to 32 GB, while the M5 Pro Mac mini can reach 48 GB or 64 GB. The M5 Max Mac Studio starts at 36 GB.

Hybrid Compute remains available as an alternative for Macs with 24 GB or more. Perplexity describes 36 GB as a recommendation rather than a strict minimum, so users with less memory are not necessarily blocked from running the software.

5. Availability and pricing

The fully local mode is available now to Perplexity Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers through the latest Mac app. To get started, users download the app, select a local model, and choose either the fully local or Hybrid mode.

Perplexity also notes that the local agent can call on one of more than 15 frontier models when advanced reasoning is needed, giving users a combination of private on-device processing and access to cloud models when required.

What it means for you

This launch marks a significant shift in how AI agents handle private data. Here is what you should pay attention to:

  1. Enhanced data privacy: Sensitive files like financial portfolios, emails, and work documents are processed on your Mac, not on third-party servers.
  2. Zero credit cost for local tasks: Tasks running entirely on device do not consume Computer credits, making it an economical choice for everyday work.
  3. Hardware requirements are high: You need an Apple silicon Mac with 36 GB of memory or more for the best experience, something not all recent Macs have.
  4. Internet is still needed for some tasks: Sending emails or getting current information still requires a connection, even though the AI model runs locally.
  5. Competition with Siri is heating up: Perplexity now offers an alternative to Siri with broader agent capabilities on Mac, a competition that will push faster innovation.

Sources