Perplexity AI launches a new voice assistant for iPhones that outsmarts Siri in almost every way—leaving Apple users to wonder why their own tech giant can’t keep up.

At a Glance

• Perplexity AI’s new voice assistant offers iPhone users a more capable alternative to Apple’s Siri
• The assistant can perform complex tasks like scheduling events, booking reservations, and drafting emails with minimal user input
• Unlike Siri’s notorious “Here’s what I found on the web” responses, Perplexity completes actions directly with phrases like “I already filled out the form. Just click send.”
• The assistant works with Apple’s default apps including Calendar, Reminders, Maps, and Music
• This release comes amid reported delays in Apple’s planned generative AI overhaul for Siri

A New Voice in the AI Assistant Market

Perplexity AI has launched a new voice assistant for iOS that directly challenges Apple’s Siri by offering more comprehensive functionality and smarter interactions. The timing couldn’t be more opportune, as Apple has reportedly delayed its generative AI overhaul for Siri that was expected to arrive with iOS 18.

For iPhone users frustrated with Siri’s limitations and frequent misunderstandings, Perplexity’s offering represents a compelling alternative from a smaller, more agile company that’s moving faster than the tech giant in its own ecosystem.

The assistant integrates seamlessly with Apple’s native applications, including Calendar, Reminders, Mail, Maps, and Music. This integration allows it to perform tasks that Siri often struggles with, such as creating detailed calendar events, setting context-aware reminders, drafting emails, finding directions, and playing specific music.

Unlike Siri’s often frustrating responses, Perplexity’s assistant is designed to be proactive and complete tasks with minimal input from the user.

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— Zvi Mowshowitz (@TheZvi) December 19, 2024

Smarter Interactions and Task Completion

Where Siri frequently responds with the unhelpful “Here’s what I found on the web,” Perplexity’s assistant takes concrete action. When asked to make a reservation or find a video, it responds with practical solutions like “I already filled out the form. Just click send.” This proactive approach extends to complex tasks that typically require multiple steps, such as finding dinner reservations, queuing specific moments in YouTube videos, or drafting personalized communications.

The assistant excels at understanding casual language and maintains context throughout conversations. For example, it can remember previous interactions and provide context-aware responses to follow-up questions. This conversational ability makes the assistant feel more natural and less robotic than Siri, which often forgets what was just discussed and requires precise command phrasing to function properly.

Limitations and Using the Service

Despite its advantages, Perplexity’s assistant does have limitations. It cannot set alarms, control core iPhone functions, access the camera, or send text messages directly. Users need to grant specific permissions for the assistant to access data like calendars, reminders, or contacts. Additionally, unlike Siri which can be summoned hands-free, Perplexity requires opening the app and tapping the microphone icon to begin interaction.

To use the assistant, iPhone owners need to download the Perplexity iOS app, sign in, and use the audio icon to make requests. The app offers customization options including subtitles, interaction modes, and voice options. Users can interact with the assistant conversationally, and it can even run in the background while performing tasks, a significant improvement over Siri’s often interrupted workflows.

Perplexity’s voice assistant represents part of a broader trend toward “agentic AI” seen in other services like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. While Apple promises improvements to Siri “in the coming year,” Perplexity has positioned itself as a nimble alternative by integrating real-world tools and capabilities that make daily digital interactions more efficient for Apple users who have grown weary of Siri’s limitations.