According to Digital Trends, Perplexity has rolled out a major update for its iPad app, completely redesigning it to feel native to the iPad rather than a blown-up iPhone app. The revamp includes a larger side panel for quick access to recent threads and tools, and it fully supports iPadOS features like split-screen multitasking. The update significantly emphasizes the “research” feature, which provides more citations than standard search, targeting students and professionals. This redesign is a direct response to increased usage from business users and strategically positions the app as a productivity tool. The full capabilities of the research feature are unlocked on Perplexity’s paid subscription tiers, suggesting the update is also aimed at boosting paid subscriptions. The revamped app is available now for download from the Apple App Store.
iPad finally gets some respect
Here’s the thing about a lot of iPad apps: they’re an afterthought. Developers build for iPhone first, then just stretch the interface to fit the bigger screen. It works, but it never feels right. Perplexity‘s old iPad app was probably like that. This new version, with its dedicated side panel and proper use of screen real estate, is a different beast. It signals that Perplexity is taking the iPad—and the people who use it for real work—seriously. Supporting split-screen is a basic but critical move. You can’t be a “work companion” if you can’t play nice with other apps.
The push toward professional pockets
So why the sudden focus on research and citations? It’s pretty clear. Perplexity is chasing a more professional, and frankly, a more lucrative audience. The average person might ask a one-off question. A student writing a paper or a analyst building a report needs chains of thought, sources they can verify, and threads they can revisit. That’s a workflow. And workflows are sticky. Once someone integrates a tool into their actual job or studies, they’re way more likely to pay for it. The research feature being gated behind the Pro and Enterprise plans isn’t a coincidence. It’s the core of the upsell.
Can an AI app really be a productivity hub?
This is the big question. Perplexity is making a bold claim by positioning itself as a “study and work companion.” That’s a crowded space. You’re competing with note-taking apps, traditional browsers, and even other AI tools that are bolting on similar features. The redesign is a strong first step—it makes the tool capable. But being a companion requires more than a nice interface. It needs deep integration, reliable output, and a sense that it can handle complex, multi-step projects. This update gets the container right. Now we have to see if the actual AI research inside is robust enough to justify making it your central hub.
If you’re an iPad power user who’s been curious about Perplexity, this is probably the version to try. The focus on citations is a genuine differentiator in the AI chat space. You can grab the new app directly from the Apple App Store. Just be ready for that subscription nudge once you start digging into the research features.
