Perplexity’s AI voice assistant is now available on iOS

The Verge - Apr 23rd, 2025

Perplexity has released an update for its iOS app, enabling Apple users to use its AI voice assistant for tasks such as writing emails, setting reminders, and making dinner reservations. This update allows users to interact with the assistant while navigating away from the app, although it does not yet support screen sharing like its Android counterpart. The assistant's ability to function on older devices like the iPhone 13 mini sets it apart from Apple's own Siri, which is yet to offer some promised AI features. The rollout follows a period of anticipation after Perplexity's spokesperson indicated earlier that Apple permissions were needed before the launch could happen.

This development is significant in the context of the growing competition in AI voice assistant technology. With Siri's new features still a year away, Perplexity's assistant offers Apple users a more advanced and versatile alternative right now. It underscores the increasing demand for AI capabilities that can perform complex tasks across multiple apps, although there are still some limitations, such as not being able to interact with the camera or set iPhone alarms. The update highlights Perplexity's commitment to expanding its reach across platforms and providing users with practical AI solutions, positioning it as a competitor in the AI assistant market dominated by tech giants like Apple and Google.

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Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of Perplexity's new AI voice assistant for iOS, highlighting its features and limitations. It accurately reports on the update and offers a balanced comparison with Apple's Siri, although it could benefit from a broader range of perspectives. The use of credible sources, primarily from Perplexity, supports the factual claims, but additional independent verification would enhance the story's reliability. The article is well-structured and accessible, making it easy for readers to grasp the key points, though a deeper exploration of potential controversies and societal impacts would add depth. Overall, the story effectively informs readers about a relevant technological development, with room for further exploration of its broader implications.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the update to Perplexity's iOS app, which includes a new conversational AI voice assistant. It correctly states that users can perform tasks like writing emails, setting reminders, and making dinner reservations. The claim that the assistant is available on older devices, such as the iPhone 13 mini, aligns with the information that Perplexity operates on older Apple devices. However, the article should verify the permissions Apple granted for the assistant's functionality and confirm the limitations outlined, such as the inability to access the camera or set alarms. Overall, the story's factual claims are largely supported by available data, but a few areas require further verification.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view of Perplexity's new update, highlighting both its features and limitations. It compares Perplexity's capabilities with those of Apple's Siri, noting where Perplexity excels and where it falls short. However, the article could benefit from more perspectives, such as user testimonials or expert opinions on the implications of this technology. Including a broader range of viewpoints would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the update's impact and significance.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates the key points about Perplexity's new voice assistant. The language is straightforward, making it easy for readers to understand the features and limitations of the update. The comparison with Siri is presented logically, helping readers grasp the significance of the new capabilities. However, a more detailed explanation of the technical aspects of the assistant's functionality could enhance clarity for readers unfamiliar with AI technology.

Source quality

The primary source for the article seems to be Perplexity's own announcements and a spokesperson's statement. While these are credible sources for information about the company's products, the article would benefit from additional independent sources to corroborate the claims made. Including expert analysis or third-party reviews could enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting.

Transparency

The article is transparent in disclosing the functionalities and limitations of Perplexity's voice assistant. It provides a clear description of the tasks the assistant can perform and the permissions required. However, it lacks detailed information about the methodology behind the assistant's development and the specific permissions Apple granted. Greater transparency regarding these aspects would improve the reader's understanding of the assistant's capabilities and limitations.