Aravind Srinivas announces updated Perplexity app for iPads with desktop-like features

Perplexity for iPad

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has announced a major update to the Perplexity app for iPads, revealing that the application has been rewritten as a fully native iPad app with a focus on multitasking and larger-screen workflows.

In a post on X, Srinivas said the Perplexity iPad app has been rebuilt to better align with how iPad users work, particularly those using the device with keyboards and in split-screen environments. The updated app is designed to take advantage of the iPad’s wider screen real estate and native multitasking capabilities, moving away from a scaled-up mobile experience.

According to Srinivas, the goal was to deliver an experience closer to using Perplexity on a desktop, while retaining the visual consistency and smoothness of the iOS app. The update aims to make the iPad version feel less like a companion app and more like a primary research and productivity tool.

The redesigned Perplexity app now supports workflows that resemble desktop usage, including improved window handling and more efficient use of screen space. This allows users to run Perplexity alongside other apps, making it easier to research, write, or cross-reference information without switching contexts frequently.

Srinivas noted that iPad users often rely on multitasking features such as Split View and Stage Manager, and the updated app has been optimised to support these patterns. The changes are particularly relevant for users who treat the iPad as a laptop replacement.

The refreshed Perplexity iPad app reflects a broader shift towards treating tablets as serious productivity devices rather than oversized smartphones. By delivering a desktop-like experience on iPads, Perplexity appears to be positioning the platform as a viable option for deep research and everyday knowledge work.

As AI-powered tools become central to how users search and process information, optimising them for larger screens could play a key role in driving long-term engagement.