Perplexity’s iPad App Rebuilt for Research and Citations

Key Takeaways:

• Perplexity has rebuilt its iPad app to better leverage iPadOS features and split-view for a more native experience.
• The update emphasizes research tools and richer citations, targeting students and business users.
• Research features are partly gated to paid tiers as Perplexity aims to grow subscriptions.
• The company continues expanding beyond desktop — its Comet browser is on Android, with iOS still pending.

Overview

Perplexity is rolling out a redesigned iPad app focused on research workflows, according to reporting from Bloomberg and Perplexity’s announcements. The update aims to make the app feel native to iPadOS rather than a stretched iPhone interface.

What’s new in the iPad app

Native iPadOS integration

The rebuild takes advantage of iPadOS capabilities such as split-view and a larger, persistent side panel. That side panel is designed to make multitasking and reading source material easier when comparing results or collecting notes.

Research-first experience

Perplexity emphasizes a strengthened research feature that surfaces more citations than a typical web search. The company says the richer citation delivery appeals to students and professionals who need verifiable sources for papers, briefs, and reports.

Interface and workflow changes

The app features a redesigned interface optimized for touch and larger displays, with clearer navigation and room for the research panel. Perplexity positioned these changes as a move away from simply adapting its iPhone UI for iPad users.

Why this matters

Students, analysts, and business users increasingly rely on domain-specific AI tools for focused research rather than generic answers. Perplexity’s move recognizes that need and targets workflows where citations and source transparency are central.

Perplexity also views the iPad update through a commercial lens: its advanced research features are partly limited to paid subscribers. The company hopes the iPad-tailored experience will convert more free users to paid tiers by showcasing value in professional and academic contexts.

What’s next

This update is part of Perplexity’s broader push beyond desktop. Last month the company launched Comet, an AI-powered browser, on Android and has indicated an iOS release is forthcoming. Expect Perplexity to continue refining non-desktop experiences and tying deeper research features to subscription plans.

Perplexity’s redesigned iPad app is rolling out now, and it makes a clear bet: the iPad is becoming a primary research device for students and professionals, and Perplexity wants to be the AI layer that supports that work.