> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.tao.media/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Perplexity Adds Fully Local Computer Agent for Apple Silicon Macs - URL: https://www.tao.media/perplexity-adds-fully-local-computer-agent-for-apple-silicon-macs/ - Published: 2026-10-20T20:17:42.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-20T20:17:43.000Z - Description: The Mac app can complete private-file workflows on-device without consuming Computer credits. - Author: Bart Hillerich - Tags: Perplexity, AI, News Perplexity has [added a fully local mode to Computer](https://x.com/perplexity%5Fai/status/2112571597798461920?ref=tao.media), allowing its AI agent to plan and complete tasks across private files and native Mac apps without sending those files to cloud models. Both the model and the software directing its work run on a supported Apple silicon Mac. The mode is available in the Perplexity Mac app for Pro, Max, and Enterprise subscribers. [Local tasks do not consume Computer credits](https://x.com/perplexity%5Fai/status/2112571609693523990?ref=tao.media), giving subscribers a way to use their own hardware for multi-step work without drawing down that allowance. The release extends a progression that began with Personal Computer for Mac in May and Hybrid Compute in September; those releases connected Computer to desktop files and apps, then divided work between local and cloud models. The new option puts the task's planning, reasoning, and execution on the Mac as well. ## Running the Full Agent Loop Locally A local language model generates responses on the user's machine. Computer also runs the agent harness locally: the software that coordinates a task, calls tools, and carries work through successive steps. That lets a workflow stay on-device from its initial analysis through the creation of an output file. For Perplexity users, the local model choices are Qwen 3.6 and PPLX Pro, Perplexity's post-trained version of Qwen. With permission, Computer can work across local files and supported apps, including Notes, Messages, Mail, and Numbers. In one example, it reads a project's to-do list in Notes, checks a budget-update request in Messages, and pulls planned and actual spending from Excel. It then prepares a status update covering outstanding tasks and remaining budget, and sends a meeting invitation. Perplexity also outlines document-heavy workflows. A client proposal can combine confidential discovery notes, a brief, and an internal rate sheet, producing a scope, an Excel budget, and a cover email for review. A morning-priorities task can gather requests and deadlines from Messages and Mail, create an action list in Notes, and draft follow-up replies. ## Choosing Between Local and Hybrid Work The [two modes differ in where a task begins and how work is divided](https://www.perplexity.ai/hub/products/hybrid-compute?ref=tao.media). Fully local starts on the Mac. Hybrid starts in the cloud, where frontier models handle research and reasoning while a model on the Mac processes private files. For a portfolio review, Computer can use private holdings, investment guidelines, and market data already downloaded to the Mac. Perplexity's example checks concentration risk and allocation drift, then updates a workbook and a Keynote presentation. Because the inputs are already available locally, the analysis and output can stay on the device. A deal review that needs current comparable transactions can instead use Hybrid. The Mac rebuilds the financial model from private files, cloud models research comparable deals, and Computer brings the results together in an investment committee deck. Hybrid tasks can also be initiated from another device, such as an iPhone, while the Mac handles the private-file work. Hybrid's Privacy Gate checks for personal information on the Mac before content reaches the cloud. It can keep content local, mask information, or ask the user to approve sharing. Users can also optionally authorize a locally orchestrated task to access the cloud for current information, browser use, connected apps, or advanced reasoning from at least 15 frontier models. ## Controlled Access and Mac Requirements Perplexity runs code and tool execution in isolated sandbox environments with controlled access to files and connected apps. These security protocols also apply to the cloud version of Computer, per its launch details. The release follows two other Computer developments: the [open-sourcing of the SPACE sandbox platform](https://tao.media/perplexity-releases-firecracker-based-space-agent-sandbox-under-apache-2-0/?ref=tao.media) and the addition of REA for inspecting and rebuilding software. Fully local mode changes where Computer operates, alongside those releases' work on execution infrastructure and agent capabilities. [Perplexity Computer Adds REA to Inspect and Rebuild Apps Without Source CodeThe new skill brings an open-source reverse-engineering toolkit into Computer, with a temporary credit allowance for users to try it.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/78/0b/780ba906-b1a7-4bf0-873c-bdd5c32e5331/content/images/icon/Group-1321319358-76ecdf07-3bf0-41fa-8fb1-2a289b054e54.png)Intelligence![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/78/0b/780ba906-b1a7-4bf0-873c-bdd5c32e5331/content/images/2026/10/gpt-output-1-17.png)](https://www.tao.media/perplexity-computer-adds-rea-to-inspect-and-rebuild-apps-without-source-code/) A supported Apple silicon Mac is required. Perplexity [recommends 36 GB of unified memory](https://x.com/perplexity%5Fai/status/2112571621550760085?ref=tao.media) for fully local operation; its Hybrid guidance recommends 32 GB. These are recommendations, not stated minimums. To get started, subscribers can install the latest Perplexity Mac app, follow the in-app instructions to download and configure PPLX Pro or Qwen 3.6, and choose fully local for the task.