AI Search Company Completes Mobile Expansion

AI search startup Perplexity officially released the iPhone version of its AI-powered web browser 'Comet' on the App Store on the 18th (local time). With this launch, Perplexity has completed cross-platform deployment covering Mac, Windows, Android, and now iOS.

The Comet iOS version is offered for free and features AI-based integrated search, webpage summarization, and Deep Research functionality as its core capabilities. In particular, it is designed to allow users to ask questions in natural language and automate tasks while browsing through voice mode and agentic assistant features.

Originally scheduled for release on March 11, it was officially launched after a one-week delay. Industry observers interpret this as part of Perplexity's strategy to expand its territory beyond search engines into the browser market.

Feature Implementation Within Apple Platform Constraints

The Comet iPhone version has some feature limitations compared to the Mac version. Due to Apple's iOS policies, it does not support browser extensions, and no dedicated iPad version is provided separately. This is attributed to iOS's mandatory WebKit usage policy and App Store review standards.

Nevertheless, Perplexity has implemented core AI features through integration with iOS native functionality. Users can ask AI questions in real-time while browsing webpages, summarize page content, or automatically handle specific tasks (shopping, schedule management, research).

According to Engadget's report, Perplexity disclosed that it collects users' browsing data for ad targeting purposes. This is interpreted as a monetization strategy for the free offering model and may be a consideration for privacy-conscious users.

Business Model Shift: From Paid to Free

A notable aspect is Comet's pricing policy change. Perplexity launched Comet as a premium service at $200 per month in mid-2025, but has now converted to completely free. This is interpreted as a strategic shift prioritizing user base expansion.

This transition reflects a judgment that the AI browser market is still in its early stages and that securing market share takes priority over monetization. In fact, amid fierce competition including Google Chrome's AI features, Opera's AI browser, and The Browser Company's Arc, a free strategy appears to be a necessary condition for user lock-in.

Positioning Within AI Browser Competition

The AI browser market has grown rapidly since the emergence of ChatGPT in 2023. Google integrated Gemini AI into Chrome, Microsoft equipped Edge with Copilot, Opera launched its own AI browser, and Arc gained attention with AI-based tab management and workflow automation.

Perplexity's differentiator is that it owns its own search engine. While other browsers depend on Google or Bing, Perplexity can integrate browsing and search into a single experience using its own AI search infrastructure. This means users can obtain context-based answers without navigating to a separate search page.

Additionally, the Deep Research feature automatically generates in-depth reports by synthesizing multiple webpages, which can be a useful tool for academic researchers or content creators. This strengthens positioning as an "AI research assistant" beyond simple browsing.

Future Outlook and Implications [AI Analysis]

Perplexity's iPhone version launch is interpreted as a signal that competition in the AI browser market is entering full swing. The following changes are expected going forward.

First, the agentification of browsers is likely to accelerate. Like Comet's agentic assistant features, functions that automatically handle website navigation, form filling, comparison shopping, etc., on behalf of users are expected to become standardized. This signifies the evolution of browsers from simple "viewers" to "acting tools."

Second, privacy and data collection policies will become differentiation points. Unlike Perplexity's disclosure that it collects browsing data for ad targeting, some competing browsers (Arc, Brave) emphasize privacy. Users will need to consider the trade-off between "free AI features vs. data protection."

Third, responses from Apple and Google could determine market dynamics. Currently, Safari and Chrome are strengthening their own AI features, and Apple in particular is expected to expand the integration of Apple Intelligence into Safari in iOS 19. Third-party AI browsers face the challenge of continuously demonstrating differentiated value in competition with platform default browsers.

Fourth, business model experimentation will continue. Perplexity's paid-to-free transition shows that the optimal revenue model for AI browsers has not yet been established. Various models including subscriptions, advertising, premium features, and enterprise licenses will be attempted, and which model is sustainable is expected to be determined within 1-2 years.

Perplexity's move represents an attempt by an AI search company to directly control the "user touchpoint" of browsers, challenging the ecosystem Google built through search and Chrome. Whether it can secure the iPhone user base will be a key variable determining the success or failure of this strategy.