The latest version of the Perplexity app on iOS recently got a massive performance boost from the company. In this new update, it now allows its AI chatbot to also serve you as an assistant for your many needs.
With these latest features, Perplexity is now challenging Apple’s Siri when it comes to assisting users on iOS and performing tasks natively on the device, but it currently has limitations on what it can do on your iPhone.
Perplexity AI Voice Assistant Now Available on iOS
Perplexity has recently announced that its promised AI Voice Assistant feature on iOS is now available to experience on the latest version of the app. Users may ask the AI to accomplish certain actions or tasks for them right on their devices, and they only need to ask this via the Perplexity app.
Voice Assistant has massive capabilities in its current version on iOS, and it can access the web browser and other multi-app actions to perform the assigned tasks by the user.
Some of the things that it can accomplish for users are booking restaurant reservations, sending email and calendar invites, playing media from different apps, and more.
Perplexity AI vs. Siri: What Can It Do For You?
Perplexity AI’s Voice Assistant is a direct competitor of Apple’s built-in AI assistant turned chatbot, Siri, which is currently facing backlash because of its lack of features on iPhones. While there are many permissions that the Perplexity app will ask when first setting up and assigning tasks, The Verge said that the chatbot performs well in accomplishing tasks.
That being said, there are several limitations, such as accessing the camera live and identifying objects (which Siri can do), but users may still upload photos for it to analyze.
Generative AI For Automation, Tasks
While last year’s development of generative AI may have focused on improving the models, training on licensed data, partnering with different experiences for integrations, and the like, 2025 is seeing many companies looking to deliver agentic AI to the world.
Earlier this year, OpenAI’s efforts to transform ChatGPT into an AI agent was leaked from Mac app codes, showing how it is entering the world of automation.
While the trend is only catching up now, many other AI companies have begun introducing this agentic AI experience to users, with Anthropic leading the charge with their latest model. Claude 3.5 was given the capabilities to take over a computer like it is a human controlling it, centering on the Computer Use technology, which lets it commandeer the keyboard and mouse to accomplish tasks.
The likes of Google with its Gemini and Microsoft with Copilot are also working on transforming the AI experience into an agentic one, capable of handling everyday tasks as set by users.