Perplexity’s Computer can now run entirely on your Mac, even offline

Perplexity added a local-first mode to its Mac app that runs its Computer agent and AI model entirely on-device, including without an internet connection, for Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers. The mode launches with Qwen 3.6 and PPLX Pro as downloadable local model options, and Perplexity recommends an Apple silicon Mac with at least 36GB of unified memory for the best experience. Files reach the cloud only when the user approves, and Computer can work with local files and supported Mac apps including Notes, Messages, Mail, and Numbers, while cloud access and the earlier Hybrid Compute feature remain available in the same app.

Perplexity is adding a new local-first mode to its Mac app that lets Computer work entirely on the device. This includes running tasks without an internet connection. Perplexity brings fully local AI tasks to Mac with new Computer mode option The launch follows Hybrid Compute, which arrived in September https://9to5mac.com/2026/09/01/perplexity-launches-privacy-minded-hybrid-compute-ai-feature-for-mac/ . That feature splits tasks between cloud models for research and reasoning and a local model for working with private files. Local-first takes things further by running both the AI model and the agent directing the task on the Mac. Perplexity says planning, reasoning, and file processing can all happen on device, with files only reaching the cloud when the user approves. With permission, Computer can work with local files and supported Mac apps, including Notes, Messages, Mail, and Numbers. One example Perplexity gives is reviewing recent messages and emails, identifying deadlines, and creating an action list in Notes. Users can still authorize cloud access when a task needs current information, browser use, or connected apps. Hybrid Compute also remains available in the same Mac app. The new local mode is available to Perplexity Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers. It launches with Qwen 3.6 and PPLX Pro as local model options, which users can download and set up through the app. You need an Apple silicon Mac with at least 36GB https://amzn.to/4yYTKg7 of unified memory for the best experience. You can learn more about the latest Perplexity Computer upgrade here https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/blog/perplexity-computer-now-runs-fully-local-on-mac . Related Perplexity stories: - Perplexity AI app introduces ‘all-new native Mac experience’ for Personal Computer https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/07/perplexity-ai-app-introduces-all-new-native-mac-experience-for-personal-computer/ - Perplexity’s Personal Computer AI assistant feature launches on Mac for subscribers https://9to5mac.com/2026/04/16/perplexitys-personal-computer-ai-assistant-feature-launches-on-mac-for-subscribers/ - Perplexity AI ‘Comet’ browser for iPhone now available https://9to5mac.com/2026/03/18/perplexity-brings-ai-comet-browser-to-iphone/ Do more with your Apple products AirPods 5 | Apple’s newest wireless headphones https://amzn.to/4hnE1jt Apple AirTag 2 | Add Find My tracking to keys, bags, bikes, more https://amzn.to/4vjNWN1 AirPods Pro 3 | Apple’s best wireless headphones https://amzn.to/4ut3FYp FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. https://9to5mac.com/about/ affiliate our homepage http://9to5mac.com/ for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on exclusive stories https://9to5mac.com/feature/exclusive/ , reviews https://9to5mac.com/guides/review/ , how-tos https://9to5mac.com/guides/how-to/ , and subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/9to5mac