Can an M2 Mac run Perplexity Computer locally?
Every M2 chip is Apple Silicon, so the chip passes. Your memory configuration decides: 36GB or more passes, less does not.
How M2 configurations stack up
M2 machines were sold across a wide memory range - from 8GB in entry models up to very large configurations in M2 Ultra machines. That spread means 'I have an M2' tells you almost nothing. A 24GB M2 fails the 36GB gate; an M2 Max or M2 Ultra machine configured with 64GB or more clears it comfortably.
The trap: close is not enough
Owners of 24GB and 32GB machines are the most likely to assume they are fine. They are not, on the announced requirements: 36GB is the floor, and there is no announced 'reduced' local mode for smaller memory at the time of writing.
What to do if yours falls short
Because unified memory cannot be upgraded, a shortfall means a replacement Mac configured with 36GB, 48GB, 64GB or more at purchase. See our buying guide for how to clear the gate without paying for far more machine than you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 24GB M2 Mac run Perplexity Computer local mode?
No. 24GB is below the announced 36GB unified memory requirement.
Can an M2 Ultra Mac run it?
Yes, if its configured unified memory is 36GB or more, which high-end M2 Ultra configurations exceed.
Does M2 Pro vs M2 change the requirement?
No. The requirement is the same: Apple Silicon plus 36GB or more unified memory. The chip tier affects performance, not eligibility.