Perplexity AI has launched a new feature that lets users schedule tasks directly through WhatsApp. Announced on June 24, 2025, by CEO Aravind Srinivas, this update transforms the popular messaging app into a productivity tool without requiring any additional downloads.
“This is the first time you get to feel a basic assistant on WhatsApp that sends periodic news alerts, custom reminders at a frequency you set—all in simple natural language,” Srinivas wrote on LinkedIn, sharing a video demonstration of the feature in action.
How the New Feature Works
Using Perplexity’s task scheduling on WhatsApp is straightforward. Users simply add the number +1 (833) 436-3285 to their contacts, refresh their WhatsApp contacts list, and start chatting. The system accepts natural language commands like “Remind me to take medicine at 9AM every day” or “Send daily news on climate change every morning.”
In Srinivas’s demonstration, he asked the bot for the latest news between Israel and Iran, then requested daily updates on the topic. The AI confirmed by scheduling the task and noted that users can modify or cancel scheduled tasks at any time.
The feature supports a range of functions, including:
- One-time or recurring reminders for daily activities
- Periodic news alerts on specific topics
- Custom task scheduling based on user preferences
Competing with Other AI Assistants
Perplexity’s move comes at a time when AI assistants are increasingly integrating with messaging platforms. Both Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT already offer task scheduling capabilities, but they require users to download dedicated apps to use these features.
This gives Perplexity a strategic advantage in accessibility. By embedding its AI directly within WhatsApp, which boasts over 2 billion users worldwide, including more than 500 million in India alone, Perplexity is making AI assistance available to users who might not typically download standalone productivity apps.
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Privacy and Data Handling
According to Perplexity, all conversations and task-related data sent through WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted. The company states it does not store personal messages beyond what’s necessary to execute and manage requested tasks. Users retain control over their data and can delete specific reminders or all tasks with simple commands.
Beyond Task Scheduling
The WhatsApp integration isn’t limited to task scheduling. Users can also:
- Ask general questions and conduct research
- Generate custom images based on prompts
- Summarize content from links or longer texts
This update represents Perplexity’s latest push to expand its AI capabilities across multiple platforms. The company recently added AI video generation to its X (formerly Twitter) chatbot and launched the “Comet” AI browser for Windows, with an Android version in development.
Industry watchers note that this integration reflects a broader trend of making AI more accessible through familiar platforms. With reports that both Apple and Meta have considered acquiring Perplexity, the company’s innovative approach to AI integration is clearly drawing attention from tech giants.
For everyday users, the benefit is simple: productivity tools now live where they already spend their time, with no new apps, accounts, or learning curves required.
