Perplexity AI is preparing to launch its Comet browser for iOS devices, marking what CEO Aravind Srinivas calls the “first real competition to Safari” on iPhones. The announcement follows Comet’s successful release on Mac and Windows platforms in July 2025.
CEO Confirms iOS Development
Srinivas confirmed Comet’s iOS development through a post on X on October 6, 2025. He responded to a user who had replaced Safari with Perplexity AI in their iPhone dock, stating that Chrome couldn’t capture significant market share from Safari on iPhones. The Comet browser is not currently available on the App Store, but the CEO’s announcement suggests a launch is imminent.
AI-Powered Browsing Experience
Comet positions itself as a “browser for agentic search,” designed to help users complete complex workflows with minimal manual input. The browser uses Perplexity as its core search engine, generating AI-powered responses sourced from across the web. Srinivas describes Comet as a “dynamic copilot” that guides users to information efficiently while providing transparent source citations.
Mac and Windows Success
Perplexity made Comet free for all Mac and Windows users globally on October 2, 2025, after initially offering it to Perplexity Max subscribers for $200 monthly. The browser has attracted millions of users to its waitlist in recent months. Comet features a workspace-based design instead of traditional tabs, with an integrated AI assistant that can answer questions, summarize content, and navigate web pages autonomously.
Competing in Growing Market
The Comet AI browser market is expected to grow to $76.8 billion by 2034, making Comet’s iOS launch strategically significant. Safari maintains dominance on iOS because Apple requires all browsers to use its WebKit engine. Comet aims to differentiate itself through AI-driven enhancements that make browsing faster and more user-focused while maintaining ad-free, distraction-free search results.
Specialized Tools and Features
Beyond basic browsing, Comet includes specialized tools such as Discover for personalized content, Shopping for price comparisons, Travel for planning, and additional features for finance and sports. Each workspace comes with its own assistant, allowing users to run multiple queries or tasks in parallel without mixing them up.