Perplexity’s popular AI platform has taken a major leap on iOS. With its latest app update, iPhone and iPad users can now access Perplexity’s conversational voice assistant, bringing hands-free functionality and real-time task execution to Apple devices — even older models like the iPhone 13 mini.
Unlike traditional voice assistants that are limited to answering questions, Perplexity’s AI can now actively help users with tasks, including:
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Writing and sending emails
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Setting reminders
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Making dinner reservations via OpenTable
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Booking rides through Uber
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Drafting text messages (with optional access to contacts)
The assistant is integrated within the Perplexity app, but one of its standout features is continued voice interaction even after navigating away from the app — a capability that rivals and, in some ways, outpaces Apple’s own Siri, especially since Apple Intelligence features are still months (or more) away from public release.
This update comes after months of anticipation. When Perplexity’s voice assistant debuted on Android in January, the company stated that the iOS version would follow once Apple granted the necessary permissions — a hurdle that now seems to be cleared.
A Hands-On Experience
Users trying out the assistant for the first time are met with helpful permission prompts. For example, when setting a reminder, the app requests access to Apple Reminders. When denied access to contacts while composing a message, the assistant cleverly pivots by asking for a phone number instead of failing the task altogether.
For restaurant bookings, Perplexity can launch OpenTable, pre-fill reservation details like date and time, and guide users through the final steps. Similarly, when requesting a ride, the assistant opens the Uber app and populates the ride request — streamlining the process while still respecting iOS limitations.
Limitations Still Exist
Despite its growing capabilities, the iOS version of Perplexity’s assistant doesn’t support screen sharing or camera-based queries, features already available on Android or through other AI competitors like ChatGPT and Grok. It also can’t set native iPhone alarms, a task still reserved for Siri.
Nonetheless, its ability to handle real-time tasks on older iPhones gives it a unique advantage over Apple Intelligence, which will require newer devices and hasn’t fully rolled out yet.
With this update, Perplexity is positioning itself as a serious contender in the AI assistant space, especially for users looking to extend the capabilities of their current iPhones without waiting for the next Apple upgrade cycle. While there are still areas to grow, the assistant’s smart design, adaptability, and action-oriented approach mark a strong step forward in the future of mobile AI.
