Perplexity Updates Mac App to Run Local LLMs Like Qwen 3.6 Offline
Perplexity has expanded its macOS agent app to support local Large Language Models, allowing users to run Qwen 3.6 and other models without an internet connection, provided they have sufficient RAM and a paid subscription.
US-based AI company Perplexity has updated its macOS agent system, "Perplexity Computer," to support local Large Language Model (LLM) execution. Previously dependent on cloud models, the app now allows users to perform AI tasks locally without an internet connection. Initially supported models include Qwen 3.6 and PPLX Pro, a Qwen variant post-trained by Perplexity itself.
Local operation imposes strict hardware requirements: it is limited to Apple Silicon Macs with at least 36 GB of RAM recommended. Perplexity suggests newer devices, such as the M5 Pro Mac mini with 48 GB memory, which costs over €2,659. Access to this feature is not free; it is restricted to customers with Pro, Max, or Enterprise subscriptions.
Perplexity states that complex multi-step tasks, such as analyzing private financial portfolios or working with local files and emails, can be performed entirely locally, ensuring no data leaves the machine. For cases where local performance is insufficient, the app offers a "Hybrid Compute" option, allowing a local orchestrator to activate one of over 15 frontier cloud models. Independent tests are still needed to verify the seamless switching between local and cloud modes and the overall optimization of these local models.