Fake Comet App on iOS: Perplexity Warns iPhone Users to Stay Alert

1. Quick Summary

Perplexity AI — the company behind the highly anticipated Comet browser — has officially warned iPhone users not to download an app named “Comet” currently appearing on the App Store.
According to CEO Aravind Srinivas:

“The Comet app currently on iOS App Store is fake and spam and not from Perplexity. You will directly hear from us when Comet iOS is ready for pre-registering and downloading.”

This alert is critical because Comet’s iOS version has not been officially released yet — the only legitimate version so far is on Android.

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2. Why This Happened

• The Comet AI browser has generated huge public interest due to its AI-driven search and contextual understanding, making it a target for malicious actors who exploit brand popularity.

• A fake “Comet” app — and even similar names like “Cornet AI” — has surfaced on the App Store using Comet’s logo and branding, falsely claiming to be “powered by Perplexity.”

• Due to Apple’s strict policies and delays in approving new browsers built on WebKit, no official Comet iOS app currently exists, creating a gap for scammers to exploit.

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3. Official Warning from Perplexity

3.1. The Real Risks Behind Fake Apps

Fake apps like the counterfeit Comet can:

• Steal personal data including location, contacts, login information, and passwords.

• Quietly install malware or spyware, putting user devices at serious risk.

• Exploit brand trust to phish credentials or push scam subscriptions.

If you’ve already downloaded the fake Comet app, Perplexity strongly recommends:
👉 Deleting the app immediately
👉 Revoking its permissions
👉 Monitoring your device for suspicious activity

3.2. Current Status of the Official App

• The legitimate Comet browser is only available on Android at this time, and has been praised for real-time search, contextual answers, and transparent sourcing.

• On iOS: there is no official Comet app yet. Perplexity has stated multiple times:

  “You will hear directly from us when the iOS version is ready.”

• Therefore, any Comet app currently found on the App Store should be considered unofficial and potentially dangerous.

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4. How iOS Users Can Protect Themselves

Here are practical steps to stay safe:

• ✅ Do not download or open any “Comet” or similarly named apps unless they come directly from Perplexity’s verified developer account.

• 🔍 Verify the developer in the App Store listing. Only apps published by Perplexity AI should be trusted.

• 🗑️ Delete suspicious apps immediately and reset passwords for sensitive accounts (Apple ID, email, banking).

• 🔐 Check app permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions. Revoke access to location, contacts, or other sensitive data if unnecessary.

• 🆙 Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID and important accounts.

• 📰 Follow official Perplexity channels to know exactly when the real iOS app launches.

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5. Why This Warning Matters

• When a high-profile AI app like Comet gains traction, scammers act fast to impersonate it.

• This case highlights that even the Apple App Store, widely seen as secure, can host fake or misleading apps.

• The key lesson: Always verify the official developer before downloading, especially when it comes to new or trending AI apps.

• Developers must also communicate clearly and early about official release dates to minimize confusion and protect users.

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6. Conclusion

In today’s fast-moving AI landscape, scams are becoming more sophisticated. The fake Comet app on iOS is a serious warning for users eager to try new AI products.

Perplexity has made it clear:

“The current Comet app on iOS is fake, spam, and not from us.”

🚨 Do not download any app claiming to be Comet on iOS until an official announcement is made.
🛡️ Protect your personal data, verify all downloads, and stay informed through trusted sources.

This incident serves as a critical reminder: Even in secure ecosystems, user vigilance is essential.

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