Perplexity has released Personal Computer for Max subscribers, moving its AI agent from the cloud onto users’ Macs. The tool accepts voice or text commands and can operate native apps such as Finder, iMessage, Apple Mail, and Calendar, while also connecting to services including Gmail, Slack, GitHub, Notion, and Salesforce.
Local access expands the original cloud agent
Perplexity Computer was first introduced as a cloud-based AI agent designed to handle complex tasks for users, from contract review and competitor analysis to data organization and report writing. Personal Computer extends that model onto the local machine, giving the agent access to folders, the ability to read and write files, and direct interaction with apps installed on the Mac.
According to the company’s announcement, the product can search, read, and write files across local folders, control native Mac apps including iMessage, Apple Mail, Calendar, and Finder, and integrate with cloud platforms such as Gmail, Slack, GitHub, Notion, and Salesforce. It can also monitor triggers and execute multi-step workflows that span several services.
Mac mini is positioned as the always-on option
Perplexity said Personal Computer works on any Mac running macOS 14 Sonoma or later, but it highlighted the Mac mini as the preferred setup. The company pointed to its small size, lower power use, relatively lower price, and ability to stay plugged in all the time without the interruptions that can come with laptop battery management or closing a MacBook lid.
That setup turns a Mac mini into what Perplexity describes as an always-online personal AI machine. Even when the user is away, the system can keep watching inboxes, run scheduled organization tasks, compare local files with online information, and continue longer workflows without stopping.
Available only on the $200 Max plan
For now, Personal Computer is limited to Perplexity Max subscribers, priced at $200 per month. The company’s Pro plan costs $20 per month, but Pro users do not have access to this feature.
The source material states that the official launch date was April 16, 2026. Perplexity began with a waitlist rollout before expanding access to all Max subscribers.
Competition for desktop AI control is intensifying
The launch comes as AI companies push deeper into desktop automation. The source notes that OpenAI announced a major Codex upgrade in the same week, adding background Mac control, a built-in browser, and image generation. Anthropic, meanwhile, has been promoting Claude Cowork as a framework for integrating AI into enterprise workflows.
Apple, Microsoft, and Google are also pursuing this area through the operating system layer. Perplexity’s move to place its agent directly inside the local Mac environment adds another product to the race for desktop-level AI control.