Which Macs can run Perplexity Computer locally? The full list
One rule decides every row below: Apple Silicon chip plus at least 36GB of unified memory, based on Perplexity's October 2026 announcement. Chip names alone tell you almost nothing - the memory configuration you bought is what counts. Find your chip, then your memory.
M1 family
The chip qualifies; the memory usually does not. Most M1 machines were sold at 8GB or 16GB, and even the Pro tier topped out at 32GB - below the line. Only high-memory Max and Ultra configurations clear it. Detail: can an M1 Mac run it?
| Chip | Memory configurations | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | 8GB, 16GB | No |
| M1 Pro | 16GB, 32GB | No |
| M1 Max | 32GB | No |
| M1 Max | 64GB | Yes |
| M1 Ultra | 64GB, 128GB | Yes |
M2 family
Same pattern, wider spread: entry machines at 8GB-24GB all fail, 32GB configurations still fail, and the gate only opens at the 64GB Max and Ultra configurations. Detail: can an M2 Mac run it?
| Chip | Memory configurations | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| M2 | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB | No |
| M2 Pro | 16GB, 32GB | No |
| M2 Max | 32GB | No |
| M2 Max | 64GB, 96GB | Yes |
| M2 Ultra | 64GB, 128GB, 192GB | Yes |
M3 family
The M3 generation is where exactly-36GB configurations appear, in the Pro tier - and exactly 36GB meets a 36GB minimum. Everything at 8GB, 16GB, 18GB, 24GB or 32GB does not. Detail: can an M3 Mac run it?
| Chip | Memory configurations | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| M3 | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB | No |
| M3 Pro | 18GB | No |
| M3 Pro | 36GB | Yes - borderline, exactly at the line |
| M3 Max | 36GB | Yes - borderline, exactly at the line |
| M3 Max | 48GB, 64GB, 96GB, 128GB | Yes |
M4 family
The current generation has the sharpest trap: a brand-new base M4 Mac tops out at 32GB and fails, while Pro and Max configurations pass. Newness is not eligibility - configuration is. Detail: can an M4 Mac run it?
| Chip | Memory configurations | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | 16GB, 24GB, 32GB | No |
| M4 Pro | 24GB | No |
| M4 Pro | 48GB (64GB on some desktop configurations) | Yes |
| M4 Max | 36GB | Yes - borderline, exactly at the line |
| M4 Max | 48GB, 64GB, 96GB, 128GB | Yes |
Intel Macs and future chips
Intel Macs: No, all of them. The local mode was announced for Apple Silicon; an Intel Mac fails the chip requirement no matter how much RAM it has. Newer Apple Silicon (M5 and beyond) follows the same announced rule: 36GB or more passes, less does not - judge any new Mac by its configured memory, not its launch year.
The borderline case: exactly 36GB
Configurations at exactly 36GB - M3 Pro 36GB, M3 Max 36GB, M4 Max 36GB - meet the announced minimum. That is a genuine yes, but it is the minimum-configuration experience: the local models and agents share that 36GB pool with macOS and everything else you run. If you are buying new rather than checking what you own, the step up to 48GB is the headroom most people will want - see the Best Macs guide and our 16GB vs 32GB vs 36GB explainer.
Frequently asked questions
Which Macs can run Perplexity Computer locally?
Any Apple Silicon Mac configured with 36GB or more of unified memory: for example M1 Max at 64GB, M2 Max at 64GB or 96GB, M3 Pro or M3 Max at 36GB and above, M4 Pro at 48GB, M4 Max at 36GB and above, and any Ultra-tier configuration.
Is exactly 36GB enough?
Yes - 36GB meets the announced minimum exactly. It is the borderline case: you clear the gate, but with no headroom above the smallest supported memory pool, so expect the minimum-configuration experience rather than the fastest one.
What is the closest miss?
32GB. It is the largest memory configuration that still falls below the announced 36GB requirement - and because unified memory cannot be upgraded, a 32GB Mac cannot be fixed after purchase.
My Mac is not on the list as a yes. What can I do?
Unified memory is fixed at purchase, so the only route is a Mac configured with 36GB or more. The Best Macs guide explains how to clear the line without overspending.