Perplexity AI CEO flags fake Comet app ahead of iOS launch

As hype mounts around Perplexity AI’s upcoming iOS browser positioned to challenge Safari, CEO Aravind Srinivas warned that a fake Comet app on the App Store is not affiliated and urged users to await official updates

Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas has issued a public alert warning iPhone users about a counterfeit app falsely claiming to be the company’s upcoming AI browser, Comet. The fake app is currently listed on the Apple App Store, raising concerns among tech enthusiasts awaiting the official launch.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Srinivas clarified that the app in question is not affiliated with Perplexity AI. “The Comet app currently on iOS App Store is fake and spam and not from Perplexity,” he posted. “You will directly hear from us when Comet iOS is ready for pre-registering and downloading.”

Buzz builds around AI-powered browser

The clarification comes amid rising anticipation surrounding Comet, which is being positioned as a potential game-changer in mobile browsing. Srinivas recently described it as “the first real competition to Safari” on iPhones, following the successful launch of its Android version earlier this year.

While Apple mandates that all iOS browsers use its WebKit engine, Perplexity aims to differentiate Comet through its AI-driven experience. The browser is being designed as a “dynamic copilot,” helping users discover information faster while ensuring source transparency — a core feature of Perplexity’s conversational search platform.

Caution advised until official launch

Perplexity AI has emerged as a growing alternative to traditional, ad-heavy search tools, emphasizing speed, clarity, and user trust. The forthcoming iOS version of Comet is expected to tightly integrate intelligent search with seamless web navigation.

In the meantime, Srinivas is urging users to stay vigilant and avoid downloading any app claiming to be Comet until the company issues an official release. "We’ll announce it ourselves when the iOS app is ready," he confirmed.

Apple has not yet commented on the presence of the fake app.