Perplexity is bringing its AI-powered Comet browser to iPhone on March 11, following its Mac launch last summer.
Perplexity is set to expand its AI browser ecosystem with the launch of Comet for iPhone on March 11, 2026. The announcement comes nearly a year after the company introduced Comet on Mac, positioning itself as one of the first AI-focused web browsers in the market.
The iPhone version of Comet is now available for pre-order in the App Store, allowing users to automatically download the app when it becomes available next month. This strategic move follows Perplexity's pattern of cross-platform expansion, with Comet already available for Mac, Windows, and Android users.
What to Expect from Comet for iPhone
Based on the App Store listing, Comet for iPhone will maintain the same core functionality that made the Mac version distinctive. The browser centers around Perplexity's AI capabilities, offering users a unified search and chat experience directly within the browser interface.
The app promises to act as both a "personal assistant and thinking partner," with features designed to boost productivity and streamline workflows. Key capabilities include:
- AI-powered search and chat integration
- Context-aware automation across websites
- Built-in tools for summarizing content
- Shopping assistance capabilities
- Scheduling and research tools
- Tab and inspiration management
Perplexity emphasizes that Comet adapts to individual user habits, learning how people think and work to provide personalized assistance. The browser aims to handle routine tasks automatically, allowing users to focus on more important activities.
Platform Strategy and Limitations
Interestingly, the App Store listing suggests that an iPad version of Comet won't be ready for the March launch. This decision might reflect Perplexity's prioritization of mobile form factors or technical challenges specific to tablet optimization.
The staggered platform rollout follows a logical progression: Mac launch in summer 2025, followed by mobile expansion on iPhone, with iPad support potentially coming later. This approach allows Perplexity to refine the core experience before expanding to additional form factors.
Competition in the AI Browser Space
Perplexity's move into mobile browsers comes as AI integration becomes increasingly central to web browsing experiences. The company's approach differs from traditional browsers by making AI assistance the primary feature rather than an add-on.
By launching Comet on iPhone, Perplexity directly competes with other AI-enhanced browsing solutions while leveraging its established Perplexity search technology. The browser's promise of handling "chores" and automating routine tasks positions it as a productivity tool rather than just a web navigation utility.
What This Means for Users
For iPhone users interested in AI-powered browsing, Comet represents an alternative to traditional browsers with AI add-ons. The pre-order system ensures immediate access upon launch, and the focus on learning user habits suggests a personalized experience from the start.
The March 11 launch date gives potential users about three weeks to decide whether to pre-order the app. Given Perplexity's track record with Comet on other platforms, the iPhone version is likely to generate significant interest among users looking to integrate AI more deeply into their daily browsing activities.
As the browser landscape continues to evolve with AI integration, Perplexity's Comet expansion to iPhone marks another step toward making AI assistance a standard feature of web browsing rather than a separate tool or extension.
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