Perplexity AI Unveils Powerful iOS Voice Assistant with Top Features and Complete Usage Guide

Perplexity AI has officially launched its highly-awaited AI-driven voice assistant for iPhones, dubbed the Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant. The move is a major milestone for the company, expanding its AI offerings to iPhone users following the successful launch of an equivalent voice assistant for Android phones in January 2025. As AI innovation intensifies in the smartphone market, Perplexity AI is taking aggressive steps to establish itself as a major player.

In this post, we go in-depth into Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant looking at its best features, where it is available, comparisons with Siri, and a step-by-step guide on how to use it. Whether you are an iPhone lover or just someone interested in AI developments, this blog will answer all your queries!

What is Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant?

Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant is a voice command functionality powered by artificial intelligence within the Perplexity app that assists in making tasks simpler and more intelligent for iPhone users. It offers an unprecedented combination of web browsing features and multi-app commands directly to your smartphone, thereby emerging as a powerful alternative to conventional assistants like Siri.

Released in April 2025, this assistant will revolutionize the way iPhone users communicate with their phones using voice. While Siri is intensively integrated with iOS but lacks capabilities without Apple Intelligence, Perplexity's assistant provides cross-app features and web-based smarts even on older models of iPhones.

Top Features of Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant

Perplexity AI shared an exciting set of features in their announcement post on X (formerly Twitter). Here are the key highlights:

1. Web Browsing Integration

The assistant uses real-time web browsing to fetch information, meaning it stays updated with the latest news, facts, and data giving users highly accurate and fresh responses.

2. Multi-App Actions

Perplexity’s assistant can:

• Book reservations at restaurants.

• Send emails through your preferred email app.

• Create and send calendar invites.

• Play media files, including podcasts and YouTube videos, directly from within the app.

• Draft emails and search for specific information.

3. Play Media on iPhone

You can command the assistant to search and play:

• Podcasts.

• YouTube videos.

• Other media files stored or accessible through your device.

This makes it an excellent companion for media lovers who enjoy hands-free experiences.

4. Book a Ride

The assistant can book rides via cab-hailing apps like Uber, saving you time and effort when you're on the go.

5. Drafting and Sending Emails

Need to send a quick email? Just ask. Perplexity AI can search your contacts and draft professional emails at your voice command.

6. Limitations to Note

While packed with features, it’s important to recognize what it cannot do:

• Cannot set alarms.

• Cannot click pictures.

• Cannot mute notifications.

• Cannot access the camera to provide vision-based answers (a feature available in its Android counterpart).

Perplexity vs Siri

It's only natural to wonder how Perplexity stacks up against Apple's own Siri. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Perplexity AI Voice Assistant	Siri with Apple Intelligence
Device Availability	Works on older iPhones	Limited to iPhone 16 & 15 Pro series
Web Browsing Capability	Yes, real-time browsing	Limited
Restaurant Reservations	Yes	No
Ride Booking (Uber)	Yes	Yes
Drafting Emails	Yes	Yes
Playing Podcasts/YouTube	Yes	Limited (through Apple Podcasts/YouTube app)
Accessing Camera for Visuals	No (iOS)	No

How to Access Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant on iPhone

Ready to try out Perplexity’s new AI voice assistant? Here’s a simple guide to get you started.

Method 1: Using the Perplexity iOS App

Step 1: Download the latest version of the Perplexity app from the Apple App Store.

Step 2: Open the app and tap the voice icon in the input box.

Step 3: Ask your query or command, and watch the magic happen!

Method 2: Using the Action Button

If your iPhone has an Action Button (available on iPhone 15 Pro models and newer):

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on the Action Button option.

Step 3: Swipe through the available options until you find Shortcuts.

Step 4: Select Perplexity from the list of available apps.

Step 5: Choose the Start Voice Conversation option.

Now, with just a press of the Action Button, you can directly talk to the Perplexity AI Assistant anytime.

The release of the Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant represents a broader trend in which third-party AI developers break into ecosystems dominated by native solutions. Although Apple Intelligence is currently in its beginning stages and confined to newer devices, Perplexity represents an immediate, potent alternative for all iPhone users.

With its emphasis on web browsing, multi-app actionable commands, and a wider range of compatibility, it's a try-not-to-miss for users who seek smarter, speedier, and more versatile voice interaction. Further, by supporting features such as restaurant reservations and ride bookings that Siri is not yet fully proficient in, Perplexity presents evident, functional benefits.

The Perplexity iOS Voice Assistant is a revolution for iPhone users seeking an AI-driven companion that's both competent and universally accessible. With first-rate features such as real-time web browsing, multi-app commands, ride hailing, and more all contained within a streamlined app interface it becomes a viable alternative or supplement to Siri.

If you’ve been waiting for a smarter voice assistant experience without needing to upgrade to the newest iPhone, now’s the perfect time to explore Perplexity AI’s latest innovation. Stay tuned for more updates on AI innovations and technology news!