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Perplexity Computer launches fully local mode on Mac

Perplexity has introduced a fully local version of its Computer agent for macOS, letting users automate workflows and analyze files offline without consuming paid credits.

A Mac mini desktop computer enclosed within a luminous protective dome
Image: @MacRumors

Perplexity Computer can now run entirely on supported Macs, operating offline without sending user data to the cloud, according to reports from 9to5Mac and MacRumors. The desktop tool allows users to automate tasks, analyze files, and interact directly with native Mac applications locally.[1][4][6]

The offline capability runs both the agent and model directly on the machine using PPLX Pro, a post-trained version of the Qwen 3.8 model. Local tasks operate without consuming Perplexity Computer credits. For more complex workflows, a hybrid mode can combine on-device processing with cloud models while maintaining privacy for sensitive data.[2][3]

The local option is available through the macOS desktop app for Perplexity Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers. Running the local AI workflows requires or recommends a Mac equipped with at least 36GB of unified memory or RAM, according to Engadget and TestingCatalog.[2][5]

Key facts

  • Perplexity Computer can run entirely on Mac hardware without requiring an internet connection.
  • The local setup runs both the agent and the model using PPLX Pro, a post-trained version of Qwen 3.8.
  • Local workflows do not consume Perplexity Computer credits.
  • The feature is accessible via the macOS desktop app for Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers.
  • A Mac with at least 36GB of RAM or unified memory is required or recommended to run local tasks.
  • A hybrid mode enables users to tap cloud models for complex tasks while keeping sensitive local data private.
  • The tool can interact with native Mac applications and analyze files without uploading data to cloud servers.

Sources · 6 sources

  1. 9T

    9to5Mac@9to5macPost on X ·

    Perplexity’s Computer can now run entirely on your Mac, even offline https://t.co/XqgetBy8nG by @apollozac

    Open source
  2. �A

    🚨 AI News | TestingCatalog@testingcatalogPost on X ·

    PERPLEXITY 🔥: A fully local option is now available on the Perplexity Computer macOS Desktop app for Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers! They did it 👀 Perplexity Computer no longer needs the internet or paid credits to work. A fully local mode is powered by PPLX Pro, a post-trained version of the Qwen 3.8 model. For complex tasks, it can also run in Hybrid mode to use cloud models. Perplexity Computer has a very good harness, and this needs a lot of testing time! * 36 GB of unified memory is recommended. https://t.co/rTuCE6k6Qa

    Open source
  3. AS

    AshutoshShrivastava@ai_for_successPost on X ·

    Perplexity Computer can now run fully locally on your Mac 🔥 - Works with native Mac apps and local files - Runs both the model and agent locally on your Mac - Uses PPLX Pro, a post-trained version of Qwen 3.8 - Local tasks don't consume Computer credits - Hybrid mode combines local and cloud models for more complex tasks while keeping sensitive data private. https://t.co/3GtN5EzWjC

    Open source
  4. MC

    MacRumors.com@MacRumorsPost on X ·

    Perplexity Computer Can Now Run Fully Locally on Mac https://t.co/Pu0QDlcm02 https://t.co/btD92pHWkB

    Open source
  5. EN

    Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·

    A Mac with at least 36GB of RAM can now run Perplexity AI workflows locally. https://t.co/CMimJEKdZz

    Open source
  6. DI

    Digit@digitindiaPost on X ·

    Perplexity’s AI Computer can now run locally on supported Macs! 🖥️ Local Computer lets users automate tasks, analyse files and interact with Mac apps without sending local data to the cloud. 🔒 Check supported Macs here: 👇 -https://t.co/Q8C3Q1n3vC #Perplexity #AI #Mac

    Open source