Perplexity now lets Pro, Max and Enterprise subscribers run its Computer app entirely on a recent Apple Silicon Mac with at least 36GB of RAM. The local version runs the full Computer experience, including its harness and orchestrator, on the device.
The release follows Hybrid Compute, which Perplexity introduced at the start of September. That update let users split AI workloads between frontier models and local models running on their own machines.
Users can choose Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro as Computer’s local model. PPLX Pro is based on Qwen 3.6, with additional post-training by Perplexity to tune it for Computer.
Local use keeps data on the Mac
Local use can keep data on the Mac. For example, Computer could use Notes and Mail to make a priority to-do list without sending email data to the cloud. Perplexity also says local workloads can help users manage credit spending. “As more demanding workflows become practical to run locally, the machines people already own will take on a larger share of their AI work,” the company explains. “This gives users more control over sensitive data and credit spend.”
Users can authorize Computer to call on one of more than 15 models if they want a frontier system to help with a task. Code and tool execution take place in an isolated sandbox. “These same security protocols persist in the cloud version of Perplexity Computer,” says Perplexity.
Users can get started by downloading the Mac app
Subscribers can get started by downloading and installing the latest version of the Perplexity Mac app, then following its instructions to download and install a local model.
