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Perplexity Rolls Out ‘Personal Computer’ for Mac to Max Subscribers

The launch advances desktop AI agents with deeper local control than Apple's on-device model.

Overview

  • Perplexity began distributing Personal Computer through its Mac app to Max subscribers and waitlisted users on Thursday, April 16.
  • The tool can search folders, read and write local files, and act inside native apps like Mail, Calendar, Messages, and the browser.
  • It runs as a persistent background agent, and Perplexity recommends a Mac mini for 24/7 use so tasks can continue without manual relaunching.
  • Tasks can be handed off from an iPhone with two-factor checks for sensitive actions, and a keyboard shortcut with both Command keys activates the agent on the Mac.
  • Actions are logged and reversible, files it creates live in a secure sandbox, and access is limited to the $200-per-month Max plan with Pro users excluded.