While Apple delays AI upgrades to Siri until 2026, iPhone users now have a compelling new option for intelligent voice assistance. Perplexity AI is stepping in to fill the gap—with a free, feature-rich app that redefines how users interact with their devices.

Perplexity AI: A Smarter Assistant, Available Now

As Apple’s native Siri assistant awaits a major AI overhaul, competitors like Perplexity AI are rapidly gaining ground. Available on the App Store, the Perplexity app delivers a conversational, intuitive voice experience that goes far beyond Siri’s current capabilities.

Users simply need to download the app and sign in with their Apple or Google account. From there, Perplexity can perform a wide range of tasks—setting reminders, scheduling events, playing music, and even scanning your iPhone calendar to display upcoming meetings. It’s built to adapt to your natural speech, eliminating the need for structured commands.

Want directions? Just mention a location—no need to say “Open Maps.” This flexibility gives Perplexity a distinct edge, especially as Apple’s own assistant remains limited in understanding nuanced prompts. With proper permissions, the app accesses contacts and calendars, offering a seamless user experience that mimics real-world conversation.

Siri’s Delay Creates an Opening

Apple’s much-anticipated AI integration with Siri was expected to roll out with the iPhone 16 series. However, updates have stalled, leaving users waiting and competitors seizing the opportunity. Perplexity is capitalizing on this delay, positioning its assistant as a capable stand-in for what Apple promised but has yet to deliver.

The tech giant’s delay has even sparked legal challenges, with some consumers accusing Apple of false advertising for showcasing AI features that don’t yet exist. In contrast, Perplexity is available today—and works right out of the box.

Meanwhile, Google’s Gemini AI also competes in this space, but its “Live” voice assistant feature remains exclusive to Android users. That makes Perplexity one of the only viable cross-platform AI voice tools currently accessible to iPhone users.

The Bigger Picture

This shift signals more than just an app update—it’s a growing trend in the AI voice assistant market. As market trends evolve and users grow impatient for innovation, third-party apps like Perplexity are leading the charge in delivering smarter, faster solutions.

Apple’s lag in AI development may affect its market position if it fails to catch up by the next hardware cycle. For now, iPhone users who want a real taste of generative AI-powered voice control can turn to Perplexity as a reliable and efficient stopgap—or possibly, a long-term alternative.

For updates on Apple’s AI timeline, visit the official Apple newsroom.