BREAKING: Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas Alerts iPhone Users About Fake Comet App on App Store
In a critical advisory issued on October 16, 2025, Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI startup Perplexity, has publicly warned iPhone users against downloading a fraudulent version of the Comet browser currently listed on the Apple App Store. Srinivas clarified that the app is “fake and spam,” and not affiliated with Perplexity in any capacity. The official iOS release of Comet, the company’s AI-powered browser, is still pending.
Timeline of Events
- October 15, 2025: Srinivas posts a warning on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
- “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.”
- October 16, 2025: Multiple tech outlets including MSN and NewsBytes report on the warning, confirming that the app listed as “Comet – Ai Agent Browser” and another disguised as “Cornet AI” are unauthorized and misleading.
Growing Buzz, Growing Confusion
The warning comes amid heightened anticipation for Comet’s iOS release. The browser, which has already launched on Android to positive reviews, is being touted as a serious contender to Apple’s Safari. Its AI-driven features have sparked interest among tech enthusiasts and productivity-focused users.
However, the presence of misleading apps on the App Store has created confusion. Some listings falsely claim to be powered by Perplexity, prompting Srinivas to intervene directly.
Why It Matters: Security and Trust at Stake
The appearance of fake apps on a trusted platform like the Apple App Store raises serious concerns about user safety and brand integrity. Srinivas’ warning is not just a technical clarification—it’s a call to protect users from potential data breaches, malware, and misinformation.
Cybersecurity expert Rohan Mehta told TheTrendingPeople.com, “Fake apps can exploit user data, inject malicious code, or simply mislead users into thinking they’re using a legitimate product. It’s crucial that companies like Perplexity act swiftly to protect their brand and their users.”
What Is Comet?
Comet is Perplexity’s flagship AI browser built on the Chromium framework. Unlike traditional browsers, Comet integrates intelligent tools that:
- Summarize web content
- Automate tasks
- Manage workflows
- Offer contextual recommendations
Initially available only to paying subscribers, Comet is now free for all users—Free, Pro, and Max tiers included. Srinivas announced the expansion earlier this month, stating:
“Comet is now generally available to download for everyone (free, Pro and Max users)!”
Features That Set Comet Apart
- AI-Powered Search: Delivers smarter, faster results tailored to user intent.
- Contextual Recommendations: Suggests relevant content based on browsing history and goals.
- Integrated Productivity Tools: Helps streamline research, note-taking, and multitasking.
- Extension Support: Compatible with popular Chrome extensions and bookmarks.
These features position Comet as a viable alternative to Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, especially for users seeking a more intelligent browsing experience.
Local and National Impact
India, home to a rapidly growing tech-savvy population, is one of the key markets for Perplexity. With millions of iPhone users across the country, the warning has immediate relevance. Tech communities in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram have already flagged the fake app in forums and social media groups.
Nationally, the incident underscores the need for stricter app store vetting and better communication between developers and platform providers.
What Apple Is Doing
As of now, Apple has not issued a formal statement regarding the fake Comet app. However, industry insiders suggest that the company may be reviewing the listings in question. Apple’s App Store guidelines prohibit impersonation and misleading metadata, which could lead to the removal of the unauthorized apps.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Aravind Srinivas’ swift and transparent response to the fake Comet app incident highlights the importance of brand vigilance in the digital age. As AI tools become more mainstream, the risk of impersonation and misinformation grows. Users must remain cautious, verify sources, and await official announcements before downloading new apps.
Perplexity’s Comet browser promises to reshape how we interact with the web—but only when it’s officially released. Until then, iPhone users are advised to steer clear of any app claiming to be Comet and follow updates directly from Perplexity’s verified channels.
Stay tuned to TheTrendingPeople.com for real-time updates on tech alerts, app launches, and AI innovations.