Perplexity AI Takes On Siri: New Voice Assistant Hits iOS with Cool Features

In a major move to capture a growing share of the AI voice assistant market, Perplexity AI has officially rolled out its voice assistant on iOS, announced by CEO Aravind Srinivas. This highly anticipated update marks a significant expansion for the company, which previously limited the feature to Android users.

As Apple prepares to launch its revamped AI-powered Siri, Perplexity AI aims to provide a viable alternative with a fresh, intuitive experience for iPhone users. Srinivas took to X to share the exciting news, highlighting the wide array of capabilities that come with the new voice assistant.

Play Anything, Anywhere – A Seamless Experience for Users

One of the standout features of Perplexity AI’s new voice assistant is its versatility. Users can now ask it to play just about anything, from hard-to-find videos to their favorite songs, and even quirky requests like, “Play me the video of Katy Perry kissing the ground after landing from the rocket” or “Baby Shark Donald Trump version.”

The AI assistant can also handle podcast searches, such as finding the episode where Marc Andreessen discusses browsers with Lex Fridman. This level of customization makes the app feel more like a personal assistant than a simple voice-activated tool.

New Features for Productivity: Scheduling and Booking Made Easy

But it’s not just about entertainment. Perplexity AI’s voice assistant can also help you manage your daily tasks. With the ability to schedule meetings through Apple Calendar or send emails via Apple Mail, it’s a handy productivity tool. However, Srinivas cautioned that some features, like scheduling, are still in their early stages and may be a bit “janky” for now.

Looking for a dinner spot or need a ride? The assistant can search for restaurants and even book a cab from Uber, streamlining your plans with ease. The update promises to save time and improve the overall user experience on iOS.

Optimized for Older iPhone Models – Accessibility at Its Best

One of the most notable aspects of Perplexity AI’s voice assistant is its accessibility. While Apple’s new Siri is restricted to the iPhone 15 Pro and beyond, Perplexity works on slightly older models, including the iPhone 13. This makes the assistant available to a wider audience, proving the company’s commitment to ensuring its product reaches as many users as possible.

Perplexity AI: A Voice Assistant That Listens and Responds

With the app’s intuitive interface, users can simply tap the microphone icon and begin speaking, making the experience as seamless as possible. The assistant will continue to listen even if you’re away from the app, offering a level of continuous engagement that sets it apart from other offerings on the market.

However, there are still a few limitations. The assistant currently cannot access your phone’s camera to provide context for pictures, a feature available in other AI assistants like ChatGPT. It also doesn’t have the ability to access iPhone settings, such as muting notifications or setting alarms, which some users might miss.

Speed and Customization: What’s Next for Perplexity AI?

In terms of performance, Srinivas shared that it typically takes 3 to 4 seconds to connect with the assistant after voice mode is enabled. While this may seem like a small delay, the company is working hard to reduce this gap, ensuring a faster, smoother experience for users. Additionally, users can now customize their Action button on their iPhone to activate Perplexity’s Voice Mode directly, similar to how they would use Siri, without having to open the app.

Siri’s Delay Paves the Way for New Competitors

Srinivas also addressed the ongoing developments in the AI space, including recent reports revealing that Apple’s new Siri update has been delayed until 2026, due to internal leadership changes. This delay could give Perplexity AI the perfect opportunity to establish itself as a top contender in the AI voice assistant market, offering a more responsive and versatile alternative to Apple’s offering.

A Bright Future for Perplexity AI’s Voice Assistant

With the addition of iOS support, Perplexity AI’s voice assistant is poised to become a major player in the personal assistant space. From playing music and podcasts to helping you schedule meetings and book a ride, the assistant’s capabilities provide a comprehensive solution for iPhone users looking for a more personalized and efficient way to interact with their devices. As the technology continues to evolve, Perplexity AI is clearly positioning itself as a worthy rival to Siri, one that offers a unique and customizable experience for every user.