Perplexity's Comet AI browser launches free iOS app after $200/month PC debut

Perplexity has released Comet, its AI-powered browser, as a free standalone app for iPhone users, marking a significant shift in pricing strategy from its original $200-per-month PC launch last summer.

Pricing shift and platform expansion

Comet debuted on PC as a paid product at $200 per month. The company subsequently released a free Android version, and now the iOS app is available at no cost. The browser is also available on Windows PCs and Macs. An iPad-native app has not yet been released, though Perplexity's standard app works on tablets.

What Comet does

Comet is an agentic browser that combines web browsing with AI assistance. Users can ask it to summarize webpages, conduct additional research on topics, manage shopping tasks, and create schedules. The iOS version integrates with Apple's Liquid Glass design technology and can be set as the default browser on iPhones.

However, the iOS version carries limitations inherent to Apple's app ecosystem. According to MacStories' preview, users cannot install third-party extensions, a capability available on other platforms.

Privacy and data collection concerns

Perplexity has previously disclosed that it uses Comet in part to collect customer data for targeted advertising. The company's shift from a $200/month subscription model to free access across platforms reflects this business model change—users are now the product rather than paying customers. This represents the typical pattern seen in free AI-powered tools that rely on behavioral data monetization.

Engadget's reporting also highlights a broader security concern: AI browsers are documented as susceptible to online scams, and users should exercise caution when using such tools for sensitive tasks like shopping or financial decisions.

Market context

AI browsers have emerged as a competitive product category over the past year, with multiple companies releasing agentic browsing tools. Opera has similarly unveiled agentic browser capabilities. The category combines traditional web browsing with autonomous task execution powered by large language models.

What this means

Perplexity's free iOS launch signals that AI browser adoption is now a priority over revenue capture—the company is betting on volume and data collection rather than premium pricing. The free-to-freemium shift mirrors broader trends in AI products. However, users should understand that free AI browsers typically monetize user behavior and browsing data. The documented vulnerability of such tools to scams remains a legitimate concern for everyday users relying on them for consequential tasks.