Perplexity's Personal Computer is a cloud-based AI agent running on Mac mini

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Perplexity’s Personal Computer is a cloud-based AI agent running on Mac mini

Key points

  • Perplexity launched “Personal Computer” - an always-on, local AI agent that runs on Mac mini 24/7
  • Merges local apps with Perplexity Computer (their OpenClaw-style AI assistant)
  • Runs in a secure environment, controllable from any device anywhere
  • Works across files, apps, and sessions
  • Users need to join a waitlist
  • Mac mini is becoming the “AI cloud computer of choice”
  • Apple will begin manufacturing some Mac minis in the US this year

Why it matters

  • Signals a shift toward dedicated local hardware for AI agents rather than pure cloud
  • Mac mini as always-on AI host aligns with the self-hosting trend - personal infrastructure you own and control
  • The “access from anywhere” model turns a desktop into a personal cloud, blurring the line between local and remote computing
  • Relevant for anyone already running Mac mini as a home server (including home lab setups)