Perplexity's new iOS voice assistant allows iPhone users to execute tasks via voice, challenging Siri with expanded capabilities.
Perplexity AI has introduced its voice-based assistant to iOS devices, enabling iPhone users to perform tasks such as sending emails, setting reminders, booking rides, and playing media through natural voice commands. This expansion follows the assistant's earlier release on Android and aims to provide a more versatile AI experience on Apple devices.
The Perplexity Assistant operates within the Perplexity iOS app and can be activated via voice commands. Users can also map the iPhone's Action button to launch the assistant's Voice Mode for quicker access. The assistant supports integration with apps like OpenTable and Uber, allowing users to make reservations and request rides seamlessly.
While some tasks may require manual confirmation, such as completing a restaurant booking, the assistant handles declined permissions pragmatically by prompting users for alternative inputs.
CEO Aravind Srinivas announced the update on social media, highlighting the assistant's capabilities in executing real-world actions on iPhones. He also suggested a playful trigger phrase, "Hey Steve," as a homage to Steve Jobs.
The assistant currently uses Apple Music and Apple Mail as defaults for audio playback and email, respectively, with plans to support Gmail and Google Calendar in the future. However, due to Apple's SDK restrictions, it cannot adjust system settings like brightness or volume, nor can it set native alarms.
Unlike some competitors, Perplexity's assistant does not support screen sharing or camera-based context recognition on iOS. Nevertheless, it allows users to continue voice conversations even when the app is running in the background.
The Perplexity Assistant is available to all iOS users through the Perplexity app, with free-tier users limited to five messages at a time. Plus subscribers, at $20 per month, receive unlimited access to the assistant's features.
This launch positions Perplexity as a strong contender in the AI assistant space on iOS, offering functionalities that extend beyond traditional voice assistants like Siri.
