Perplexity Launches Mac-Based AI Agent

Perplexity introduced new AI agent tools and software on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at its Ask Conference in San Francisco, enabling users to convert a dedicated computer into a locally controlled AI system. This development includes "Personal Computer" software, designed to run on devices like a Mac mini, providing local access to files and applications.

The "Personal Computer" agent operates locally, offering enhanced security through user confirmation for all actions and an integrated audit trail. This feature will initially be available to Perplexity Max subscribers on Mac devices via a waitlist. Concurrently, Perplexity expanded its cloud-based "Perplexity Computer" agent, which now includes enterprise-grade security controls, compliance features, single sign-on support, and mobile phone compatibility.

These introductions aim to differentiate Perplexity's offerings from competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google by providing both local and cloud-based AI agent solutions for diverse user needs.