Perplexity Unveils Personal Computer, Expands Enterprise Tools

AI company Perplexity announces new Mac mini-based AI agent and enterprise offerings at its inaugural developer conference in San Francisco.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:51am by Ben Kaplan

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At its first Ask 2026 developer conference, Perplexity unveiled Personal Computer, a software that runs continuously on a user's Mac mini to give Perplexity's cloud-based AI agent persistent access to local files, apps, and sessions. The company also expanded its Computer platform to enterprise customers, adding compliance, security, and integration features for teams to access data and build models without relying on specialized staff. Perplexity also announced new APIs and a significant expansion of its finance data tools.

Why it matters

Perplexity's announcements position the company as a leader in the emerging field of AI-powered personal and enterprise computing. By giving users a 24/7 AI agent with access to their local data, and providing enterprises with a flexible, model-agnostic platform to leverage AI, Perplexity is aiming to redefine how people and organizations interact with technology.

The details

The centerpiece of Perplexity's announcements is Personal Computer, software that runs continuously on a user's Mac mini to give Perplexity's cloud-based AI agent persistent access to local files, apps, and sessions. This allows the AI to monitor triggers, execute proactive tasks, and carry work forward around the clock without requiring the user to be present. Sensitive actions require explicit approval, and a kill switch gives users immediate control. Personal Computer is available only to Perplexity's highest-tier Max subscribers, priced at $200 per month. Perplexity is also bringing its Computer platform to enterprise customers, adding compliance, security, and integration features to allow teams to access data and build models without relying on specialized staff. The company also announced new APIs and a significant expansion of its finance data tools, which now include access to over 40 live data sources.

  • Perplexity unveiled Personal Computer and expanded its enterprise offerings at its inaugural Ask 2026 developer conference in San Francisco on March 12, 2026.
  • Perplexity had launched its cloud-based Perplexity Computer AI agent just two weeks prior to the conference.

The players

Perplexity

An AI company that has developed a cloud-based AI agent called Perplexity Computer, as well as new offerings like Personal Computer and enterprise-focused tools.

Aravind Srinivas

The CEO of Perplexity, who framed the company's ambition for Personal Computer at the conference, stating that "A traditional operating system takes instructions; an AI operating system takes objectives."

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What they’re saying

“A traditional operating system takes instructions; an AI operating system takes objectives.”

— Aravind Srinivas, CEO, Perplexity (thenextweb.com)

What’s next

Perplexity says it will provide support for the initial cohort of users who sign up for the Personal Computer waitlist.

The takeaway

Perplexity's announcements position the company as a leader in the emerging field of AI-powered personal and enterprise computing, as it aims to redefine how people and organizations interact with technology through its 24/7 AI agent and flexible, model-agnostic platform.