Perplexity launched Computer fully local on Mac on October 20, 2026, so the AI model, the harness and task execution can all run on the user's Mac. It is available to Perplexity Pro, Max and Enterprise subscribers in the Perplexity Mac app on supported Apple silicon Macs, according to Perplexity's announcement. Perplexity recommends 36 GB of memory or more.

#What changed?

"Today, we’re launching Computer fully local on Mac, making it possible to run the AI model, harness, and task execution entirely on device," Perplexity wrote. In a post on X, the company said: "The model and the agent both run on your Mac."

Perplexity says running Computer locally keeps "the task’s planning, reasoning, and file processing on device." It claims that, when given permission, Computer can work across local files and Mac apps "without sending personal data to the cloud," which gives users "more control over sensitive data and credit spend."

#Which models does it use?

"It runs Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro, a post-trained version of Qwen," according to Perplexity. Those are the two local model options at launch. Engadget reported that PPLX Pro is "a Perplexity offshoot of Qwen 3.6"; Perplexity's own post does not name the base version.

Users can still reach the cloud when they choose. "Users can authorize Computer to escalate to the cloud for current information, browser use, and connected apps. The local orchestrator can call on one of 15+ frontier models for advanced reasoning," Perplexity says.

#Does it work offline?

9to5Mac reports that fully local mode "includes running tasks without an internet connection," and The Verge headlined its story "Perplexity Computer can now run fully offline on Mac." Perplexity's post does not use the word offline. It says the model, harness and task execution run on device.

#Which apps can it use?

"When users give it permission, Computer works across local files and supported apps, including Notes, Messages, Mail, and Numbers," Perplexity says. One example in Perplexity's post: "Computer reviews recent conversations in Messages and Mail, identifies requests and deadlines, and creates an action list in Notes." Perplexity's other examples name Excel, Keynote and Outlook.

On security, Perplexity says "Code and tool execution run in isolated sandbox environments with controlled access to files and connected apps." 9to5Mac reported that files reach the cloud "only" when the user approves.

#How does it fit with Hybrid Compute?

Perplexity says it "first brought Computer to local files and native Mac apps with Personal Computer for Mac in May." Hybrid Compute, which 9to5Mac says "arrived in September," combines frontier reasoning in the cloud with local models that process private information on the Mac. "The Perplexity Mac app offers two ways to run Computer," Perplexity says, and 9to5Mac reported that "Hybrid Compute also remains available in the same Mac app." Perplexity points work that needs current research to Hybrid Compute, citing "A deal review that combines current market research with confidential financials."

#Who can use it and when?

Plan

Fully local Computer in the Perplexity Mac app

Perplexity Pro

Available now

Perplexity Max

Available now

Perplexity Enterprise

Available now

It runs "on supported Apple silicon Macs, like the new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro," Perplexity says. That is an example, not a full list of supported Macs. "For running Computer locally on Mac, 36 GB or more is recommended," Perplexity says, and The Verge also reported that "Perplexity recommends 36GB of RAM or more."

#How much does it cost?

None of the sources give a price for fully local Computer or for the Pro, Max and Enterprise plans. Perplexity says only that "the choice of where to run tasks and how to use credits is completely in the user’s hand."

#How to get it

Perplexity lists three steps:

  1. Download and open the latest Perplexity Mac app.
  2. Follow the in-app instructions to download and set up a local model.
  3. Choose fully local to run the task on the Mac.

#How does it compare?

Fully local mode keeps planning and file work on the Mac, while Hybrid Compute in the same app starts in the cloud. For more on controlling what AI agents can reach on a Mac, see our guide to controlling AI coding agent network access on your Mac. For a cloud-based always-on agent, see what OpenAI Dots are. More agent coverage is in the AI Agents hub.

#What is still unclear?

  • macOS version. None of the sources state which macOS version fully local mode needs.
  • Supported Macs. Perplexity gives the Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro as an example but does not list which other Apple silicon Macs work, or what happens with less than 36 GB.
  • Credits. No source says whether fully local tasks use Computer credits.
  • Offline use. 9to5Mac and The Verge say it runs offline; Perplexity's post does not say so directly.