Perplexity Computer local mode: minimum requirements
Two requirements were in the October 2026 announcement. Everything else is detail - here is exactly what is confirmed.
The two confirmed requirements
1. An Apple Silicon Mac. Perplexity announced on 20-21 October 2026 that Perplexity Computer's new local-first mode runs its models and agents fully on Apple Silicon Macs. Intel Macs are not Apple Silicon and do not qualify.
2. At least 36GB of unified memory. The announced local mode requires 36GB of unified memory. Configurations with 8GB, 16GB, 18GB, 24GB or 32GB fall below that line.
What 'local-first' means here
In local-first mode, the models and agents run on your own machine rather than only in the cloud, and Perplexity described the mode as offline-capable. That is why your hardware - not your internet connection - becomes the gating factor.
What has NOT been confirmed
We do not publish invented benchmarks. The announcement did not give us verified speed figures for each chip, a confirmed storage requirement on this page's evidence, or a guarantee that every feature behaves identically locally and in the cloud. Performance will differ between an M1 and a current-generation chip even when both clear the memory gate, but clearing the gate is a yes/no question - and that is what our checker answers.
Why 36GB, specifically?
Running models and agents locally is memory-hungry: the model, its working context and the agent's tasks all live in unified memory, which on a Mac is shared between the CPU and GPU. A vendor setting a 36GB floor is setting the smallest memory pool they are willing to support for that workload. Treat 36GB as a minimum, not a performance promise.
Frequently asked questions
What are the minimum requirements for Perplexity Computer local mode?
An Apple Silicon Mac (M1 or later) with at least 36GB of unified memory, based on Perplexity's October 2026 announcement.
Does Perplexity Computer local mode work offline?
Perplexity described the local-first mode as offline-capable, because the models and agents run on your Mac rather than only in the cloud.
Is 36GB a recommendation or a requirement?
Treat it as a requirement: configurations below 36GB - including 32GB - do not meet the announced minimum.
Where can I check my Mac?
Use the free checker on the LocalAI Check homepage, then confirm the latest official requirements on Perplexity's own help pages before buying hardware.