Perplexity has introduced Hybrid Compute for Mac, a setup that divides an agent's work between local models and cloud AI. Files and sensitive information can stay on the device, while harder parts of a task can be sent to remote models.

The approach is useful for people who want more privacy than a fully cloud-based agent but do not want to depend entirely on the speed and capability of a local model. Perplexity says it built a custom Apple Silicon engine to improve local processing.

The real test will be how clearly the product shows what stays local and what leaves the device. Anyone handling confidential work should check those controls before giving the agent access to folders or business data.

What this means

  • Hybrid Compute mixes on-device and cloud processing.
  • It is designed to keep selected Mac data local.
  • Users should check exactly when a task moves to the cloud.

Read the announcement

We explained the update in plain English. Use the original source below for the full announcement and any later changes.

Read the original source