Perplexity has launched its Voice AI for iOS, directly challenging Apple’s Siri with advanced capabilities. You can use it to complete complex tasks across multiple apps, including making restaurant reservations through OpenTable and ordering Uber rides. Unlike Siri, it works with Apple Music and Podcasts while seamlessly handling background operations. Powered by leading language models like GPT-4.1 and Claude 3.7 Sonnet, this free service with subscription options offers functionality that extends beyond current voice assistant limitations.
Perplexity has launched its new voice assistant for iOS devices, bringing multi-app functionality that directly challenges Apple’s Siri. The voice assistant performs complex tasks across multiple applications, including making restaurant reservations, ordering rides, and controlling media playback without requiring you to switch between apps.
Perplexity’s iOS voice assistant challenges Siri with seamless multi-app functionality for reservations, rides, and media control.
You can now use Perplexity to integrate with popular third-party services like OpenTable for dining reservations and Uber for transportation. The assistant also works with Apple Music and Podcasts, allowing you to control your media with simple voice commands.
One of the standout features is the assistant’s ability to continue operating in the background even when you navigate away from the app. This functionality enables true multitasking that Siri currently can’t match. You can access the assistant by simply tapping the voice icon in the input box to initiate a conversation.
Perplexity’s voice assistant is powered by advanced large language models including GPT-4.1, Gemini 2.5 Pro, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, and Grok-2. These models allow the system to understand natural language without requiring specific command structures.
You can access the assistant quickly through a Lock Screen shortcut or Action Button integration. The system can also handle cross-app task automation, such as booking an Uber ride that arrives after your calendar event ends.
Unlike Siri, Perplexity offers web browsing capabilities with voice activation, providing real-time information retrieval during conversations. The voice assistant was released to iPhone users in an update on April 24, 2025. The service is available for free, with subscription options for more advanced features.
The assistant works on older iOS devices that aren’t compatible with Apple Intelligence, extending its reach to more users. While the iOS version lacks some features available on Android, like screen-sharing, it maintains most functionality across platforms.
Privacy concerns exist around the assistant’s background operation and cloud-based processing. You’ll need to grant explicit permissions for calendar, email, and third-party service integrations.
Perplexity’s launch comes as Apple delays its AI upgrades for Siri, potentially putting pressure on Apple to accelerate its conversational AI development. The combination of search engine accuracy with voice assistant utility creates a compelling alternative in the voice assistant marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Perplexity Voice AI Compare to Google Assistant?
Perplexity Voice AI and Google Assistant offer similar core capabilities, including voice interaction and information retrieval.
You’ll find both can manage calendars, compose emails, and integrate with services like YouTube.
Google Assistant excels at device-specific tasks like sending texts and accessing native Android apps.
Perplexity, meanwhile, features customizable voices and an animated interface with waveform visualization during speech recognition.
Both assistants operate in the background while you use other apps.
Will Perplexity Voice AI Be Available on Android Devices?
Yes, Perplexity Voice AI is already available on Android devices.
The Perplexity Assistant functions as an overlay on your Android phone, integrating with many apps to provide seamless assistance.
You can activate it by swiping from the bottom-left corner to the center of your screen or by pressing and holding the power/home button, depending on your device.
The Android version supports 15 languages and can help with various tasks using voice, text, and camera-based interactions.
What Privacy Measures Does Perplexity’s Voice AI Implement?
Perplexity’s Voice AI implements several privacy measures to protect your data. All sensitive information is encrypted during transit and storage, and only authorized personnel can access personal data.
Your information is stored on secure U.S.-based servers, which helps reduce concerns about international data transfers.
You can control data sharing with third-party services, and regular audits guarantee compliance with privacy regulations.
The service also upholds your rights to access, correct, or delete your personal information.
Can Perplexity Voice AI Make Calls or Send Texts?
No, you can’t use Perplexity Voice AI to make phone calls or send text messages on iOS.
Unlike Siri, Perplexity lacks integration with core phone telephony services.
While it can handle tasks like sending emails, creating calendar invites, and booking reservations through web browsing and multi-app actions, direct calling and SMS capabilities aren’t currently supported.
Perplexity’s strengths lie in information retrieval and web-integrated task completion rather than controlling basic phone functions.
Does Perplexity Voice AI Work Offline?
Perplexity Voice AI currently requires an internet connection for full functionality.
Unlike some voice assistants that offer limited offline capabilities, there’s no confirmed information about Perplexity working without internet access.
You’ll likely need to be connected to use its core features, including integration with Apple Music, Mail, Calendar, and Maps.
As with most AI voice assistants, the sophisticated processing happens on remote servers rather than on your device.
