Perplexity AI: The New Voice Assistant Challenging Siri and Beyond
Move over, Siri. There’s a new voice assistant in town—and it’s smart, conversational, and actually helpful. Perplexity AI, known for its accurate and engaging AI-powered search capabilities, has just entered the mobile voice assistant game. With new functionality on iPhone and possible integrations with Motorola and Samsung, Perplexity is signaling a bold challenge to Apple and Google’s long-standing digital assistants.
What is Perplexity AI
Perplexity AI is an AI-powered conversational search engine that combines real-time web results with generative responses. Think of it as a hybrid between Google Search and ChatGPT—with a focus on clear, sourced, and interactive answers. Now, it’s evolving into a voice assistant that goes beyond just answering questions—offering actionable, task-based support on your mobile device.
Key Features:
- Natural, human-like conversations that help you accomplish tasks.
- Seamless operation across iPhone, Mac, and select Android devices.
- Integration with popular services like Uber and OpenTable for bookings and orders.
- Real-time, accurate information pulled directly from the web.
- Choice of AI engines: switch between GPT-4o, Claude 3.7 Sonnet, or Gemini 2.5 Pro.
Perplexity AI on iPhone
Recently, Perplexity launched an update to its iOS app that includes voice interaction. You can now activate Perplexity using your voice to:
- Creating calendar events and reminders
- Sending emails
- Playing Apple Music or Podcasts
- Making dinner reservations via OpenTable
- Booking Uber rides
- Searching Apple Maps
It even includes an always-on voice mode, and unlike Siri, Perplexity can summarize complex topics or current events by drawing from multiple sources in real time.
How it works:
To try the voice assistant, simply:
- Download or update the Perplexity AI app on your iPhone or iPad
- Sign in with your email, Apple ID, or Google account
- Tap the microphone icon at the “Ask anything” prompt and speak your request
You can customize your experience in the app’s settings, choosing from several AI voice options and toggling subtitles for accessibility.
Limitations:
Due to Apple’s restrictions, Perplexity cannot send iMessages or SMS texts directly. It also doesn’t replace Siri as the system-level assistant, meaning Siri remains the default for lock screen and system-wide voice commands.
Targeting Android next
Perplexity AI is expanding into Android territory as well. The company has struck a deal with Motorola to preload the assistant on upcoming smartphones, and is in talks with Samsung for a potential partnership. If these integrations go through, Perplexity could become the first serious cross-platform AI assistant to challenge both Google Assistant and Bixby.
This positions Perplexity not just as a Siri challenger—but potentially the first true cross-platform voice assistant built for the AI era.
Why we care
For Mac users seeking smarter alternatives to Siri, especially for research or productivity workflows, Perplexity AI is an exciting development. Its conversational approach is more aligned with the way we naturally communicate, and its real-time answers make it far more useful than traditional voice assistants stuck in a silo.
At TheSweetBits, we focus on sweet tools that enhance productivity without locking you into one ecosystem. Perplexity AI fits perfectly into this vision—whether you’re on macOS, iOS, or Android, it’s a versatile assistant designed for the AI era.
In our tests, Perplexity handled complex research queries with ease, summarizing multiple sources in seconds.
If you juggle multiple devices or want a voice assistant that truly understands context, Perplexity AI is one to watch.
Specs and pricing
Platforms:
- iOS: Available on iPhone and iPad.
- macOS: Dedicated desktop application.
- Android: Pre-installed on Motorola’s Razr and Edge 60 series.
Pricing:
- Free Tier: Access to core functionalities.
- Perplexity Pro: Enhanced features, including advanced AI models and unlimited file uploads,$20/month.
- Note: New Motorola users receive a complimentary 3-month Pro subscription.
Ideal For:
- Mac users seeking an alternative to Siri.
- Professionals aiming to boost productivity with AI tools.
- Individuals desiring a cohesive experience across devices.
Bottom line
While it’s still early days, Perplexity AI’s push into mobile devices signals a shift in how we interact with digital assistants. It’s no longer just about asking for the weather or setting a timer—it’s about integrating real intelligence into your daily workflow. And with growing momentum across platforms, Perplexity might just redefine what it means to have an assistant in your pocket.
Stay Sweet: For more curated gems like Perplexity AI, stick with TheSweetBits—your hub for discovering the best non-MAS apps, AI tools, and cross-platform productivity magic.