Perplexity Computer now runs fully locally on Mac
Perplexity Computer can now run its model and task execution locally on supported Apple silicon Macs, with 36GB of memory recommended.
Perplexity says its Computer assistant can now run fully locally on Apple silicon Macs, keeping the model, task planning, reasoning and file processing on the user's device. The company says the feature is available now in the Perplexity Mac app for Pro, Max and Enterprise subscribers. 1
The local mode uses Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro, Perplexity's post-trained version of Qwen. When the local option is selected, the company says Computer can work across supported Mac apps and local files without sending that private material to the cloud. Code and tool execution run in isolated sandbox environments, according to Perplexity. 1
Local processing is not completely disconnected from the internet. Perplexity says users can authorise cloud access when a task needs current information, browser use or connected apps. Hybrid Compute remains available for jobs that combine cloud-based research and reasoning with local handling of private files. 1
Perplexity recommends at least 36GB of memory for local Computer, which limits the feature to better-equipped Apple silicon Macs. The company specifically highlights the Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro in its launch material, while the Mac app handles model setup and the choice between fully local and hybrid modes. 1
MacRumors independently reports the same launch and notes that local Computer is available to Perplexity Pro, Max and Enterprise subscribers. 2
Our opinion
Running an agent locally is a meaningful privacy option, but the 36GB recommendation matters more than the headline. This is not a lightweight switch for every Mac owner: it is a feature aimed at machines with enough memory to run the model and agent comfortably, with cloud escalation still available when local processing cannot handle a task.
The useful distinction is control rather than total isolation. Users decide when a task stays on-device and when it can call the cloud, which gives Perplexity Computer a clearer privacy model than an assistant that silently sends every file and prompt away.