{
  "id": 15809709,
  "title": "Perplexity Computer Can Now Run Fully Locally on Mac",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/perplexity-computer-can-now-run-fully-locally-on-mac",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-20T22:20:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MacRumors",
    "slug": "macrumors",
    "url": "https://www.macrumors.com/2026/10/20/perplexity-computer-local-mac/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Perplexity has announced that its Perplexity Computer can now run fully locally on Mac computers. This updated version of the AI-powered tool utilizes Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro, a post-trained variant of Qwen, on Macs with Apple silicon. To run the software locally, a Mac mini with 36GB of memory or more is recommended. By processing data on-device, the AI model, task planning, reasoning, and file processing are conducted without sending any personal information to the cloud. The local setup allows Computer to interact with native Mac apps such as Notes, Messages, Mail, Keynote, and Numbers, completing tasks independently.\n\nPerplexity also offers Hybrid Compute, a hybrid approach that combines powerful cloud-based models with locally-run AI for private information processing. This feature is particularly useful for users with Macs that have lower memory capacities, such as those with 24GB or less. When running Computer locally, users can grant cloud access for tasks requiring current information, browsing, or cloud-connected applications. They can also decide when to utilize credits and call upon one of more than 15 frontier models for complex problems when necessary. The locally-run version of Computer for Mac is now available to subscribers of Perplexity Pro, Max, and Enterprise plans. Users can download Perplexity for Mac and then choose the fully local option to utilize the AI tool.",
  "summary": "Perplexity today said it is updating Perplexity Computer to run fully locally on Mac . The local version runs on Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro (a post-trained version of Qwen) in the Perplexity app for Mac on supported Apple silicon Macs. Perplexity highlights the new Mac mini machines and says 36GB of memory or more is recommended to run locally. With the local setup, the AI model, task planning,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Perplexity Computer runs fully locally on Mac with Qwen 3.6 or PPLX Pro",
    "Mac mini with 36GB memory recommended for local setup",
    "Hybrid Compute combines cloud and local AI for private info processing"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}