Can my Mac run Perplexity Computer locally?
Perplexity announced on 20-21 October 2026 that Perplexity Computer is getting a local-first mode that runs models and agents on your own Apple Silicon Mac, with offline capability - and a 36GB unified memory requirement. Pick your chip and memory below for a straight answer.
Perplexity Computer local checker
Not sure? On your Mac: Apple menu > About This Mac. The chip and memory are shown there. Unified memory cannot be upgraded later, so check carefully.
Compatibility matrix
The rule is the same for every Apple Silicon family: the chip family changes performance, but the announced local-mode gate is unified memory - 36GB or more passes, anything below does not. Not every chip/memory combination below is sold; the table shows the rule, not a catalogue.
| Chip | 8GB | 16GB | 24GB | 32GB | 36GB | 48GB | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| M1 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| M2 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| M3 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| M4 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| M5 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
What to read next
Minimum requirements explained
What the 36GB rule means, and what it does not promise.
16GB vs 32GB vs 36GB
Why 32GB misses the cut and why RAM cannot be added later.
Best Mac to buy for local AI
How to choose a configuration that clears 36GB without overspending.
Local AI readiness (other tools)
The same chip-and-memory logic applied to local AI in general.
Frequently asked questions
Can my Mac run Perplexity Computer locally?
Based on the October 2026 announcement, a Mac needs an Apple Silicon chip (M1 or later) and at least 36GB of unified memory to run Perplexity Computer's local-first mode. Use the checker above with your exact chip and memory.
Can a 32GB Mac run Perplexity Computer local mode?
No - 32GB is below the announced 36GB requirement, even though it is close. The requirement is a minimum, not a recommendation.
Can I add RAM to my Mac later to reach 36GB?
No. Unified memory on Apple Silicon Macs is part of the chip package and cannot be upgraded after purchase. Reaching 36GB means buying a Mac configured with 36GB or more.
Can an Intel Mac run Perplexity Computer local mode?
No. The local mode was announced for Apple Silicon Macs. Intel Macs do not meet the chip requirement regardless of how much RAM they have.
Is LocalAI Check affiliated with Perplexity?
No. LocalAI Check is independent and not affiliated with Perplexity. Product names are used only to identify the product being checked.