I Tried Perplexity's AI Voice Assistant on iPhone 16 Pro: Here's What It Does Better Than Siri

Perplexity’s AI voice assistant has arrived, promising to change the way we interact with our devices. As someone who's had a long history with Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, I was curious to see if this new entrant could deliver on its claims, especially when it comes to replacing Siri, a tool I’ve had a love-hate relationship with. While Siri has served its purpose for basic tasks like setting alarms, it’s clear that Perplexity’s assistant could offer a much more seamless and useful experience.

Here’s my hands-on experience with Perplexity’s AI-powered assistant on the iPhone 16 Pro. Let’s dive into how it compares to Siri, where it shines, and where it still falters.

How to Get Started with Perplexity’s iOS Voice Assistant

If you’re ready to explore Perplexity, the first step is simple: download the Perplexity app from the Apple App Store. Make sure your iPhone is running the latest software version for the smoothest experience. Once installed, sign in using your email, Apple, or Google account.

Upon opening the app, you’re greeted with a straightforward “Ask anything” prompt, where you can speak your request. It’s a clean interface that’s easy to navigate, making it a joy to use right from the start.

Customizing the Experience

Before you start speaking to Perplexity, there are a few customization options to enhance your experience. You can turn subtitles on or off, switch between two conversation modes, and choose from six different voices. Additionally, Perplexity offers both free and paid plans, with the paid options offering higher usage limits.

The app also allows you to opt out of using your data for training purposes, giving you some control over your privacy. Before diving into tasks, be sure to check the full privacy policy to understand how your information is handled.

Perplexity vs Siri: A Clear Upgrade?

Siri Feels Stuck in the Past

Siri was introduced over a decade ago, promising a future where voice assistants could do everything from making hands-free calls to setting reminders. Yet, over the years, Siri has remained largely the same. Sure, it can play music, set alarms, and answer basic questions, but it hasn’t evolved much beyond that.

Despite its initial promise, Siri feels like it’s been left behind in a rapidly advancing tech world. It’s a great tool for simple tasks, but for users looking for more advanced functions, Siri just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Perplexity: The AI Assistant Siri Should Have Been

Enter Perplexity. I tested the AI assistant for a variety of tasks, and it quickly became clear that it outshines Siri in several ways. For one, Perplexity listens much more attentively. When I asked it to draft an email, the assistant responded thoughtfully: "Sure, I can help you with that. Could you please provide the details for the email, such as the recipient, subject, and the message you would like to include?" This felt more human-like, as opposed to the stiff responses I often get from Siri.

Even in noisy environments, Perplexity performed well. Although I was in a place with a lot of background noise, the assistant still managed to understand my request and ask for clarification when needed. It didn’t lose the context of the conversation, and the continuity of the task was maintained, something Siri struggles with.

I also tested its integration with Apple Music, asking it to play some 90s dance songs. It immediately complied and even picked a random song from the era. When I asked for a specific song, it found it within seconds. This integration with third-party apps, particularly ones I use daily, made Perplexity feel much more versatile than Siri.

Where Perplexity Falls Short

Despite all the positives, Perplexity isn’t without its shortcomings. While it does an excellent job with everyday tasks and interacts more naturally than Siri, it still falls short in some areas.

Not Quite a Google Replacement

I tested Perplexity’s ability to perform search engine-like tasks, and while it did bring up tech news stories from trusted sources like Reuters, it wasn’t perfect. During one search, it mentioned Apple’s quarterly results, even though the financial results being referenced were over three months old. As a tech journalist, I found this puzzling, and it made me question whether Perplexity could truly replace Google as a go-to search tool.

While Perplexity’s search capabilities are improving, it’s clear that it still has some work to do in providing reliable, up-to-date information. For now, Google remains the more trustworthy source when it comes to accurate news.

Flaws in Visual Recognition

Another test involved using Perplexity’s visual recognition to identify the brand of an indoor cooler I have on my balcony. Unfortunately, the app incorrectly identified the brand as Kenstar, showing that its visual intelligence is still lagging behind that of Google’s more refined systems.

Early Impressions: A Work in Progress

So, where does Perplexity stand right now? It’s clear that the app is still evolving, but it already shows a lot of promise. Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity, seems to have crafted an assistant that fills the gaps where Siri falls short—helping with tasks like making reservations, drafting emails, and even setting calendar invites.

While Perplexity isn’t perfect and still has areas to improve—particularly with search capabilities and visual recognition—it’s a solid replacement for Siri in many areas. I can already see myself using it more frequently, and I’m excited to see how it evolves over time.

If you’re frustrated with Siri’s limitations, Perplexity’s AI assistant offers a fresh alternative that can handle more complex tasks. While it’s not ready to replace Google for all your search needs, it’s a promising tool for handling daily tasks and integrating with your favorite apps. As Perplexity continues to improve, it may become the AI assistant that finally lives up to the hype.