Open-source macOS tool disables Apple Intelligence and removes downloaded models
An open-source macOS command-line tool called RemoveMacAI can switch off Apple Intelligence features and delete their downloaded models, potentially freeing substantial storage. It addresses a change in macOS 27, which removed the single Settings toggle for disabling Apple Intelligence while leaving its models on disk and spreading controls across multiple settings panes.
The developer says the tool disables Siri, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, the ChatGPT extension and summaries, then prevents the models from downloading again. The developer estimates the models use about 12GB, but one MacBook Air showed 35.05GB in macOS storage settings. RemoveMacAI also has commands to check model sizes and to restore the features and downloads; the developer says Dictation continues to work and the changes persist through system updates.
- RemoveMacAI disables Apple Intelligence and deletes its downloaded models.
- The developer estimates around 12GB, though one Mac showed 35.05GB.
- Commands can show model sizes or restore Apple Intelligence.
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Apple Intelligence is a collection of artificial intelligence tools that Apple introduced in macOS version 27. The features include enhanced Siri, Writing Tools for text editing, Genmoji for creating custom emoji, Image Playground for generating images, ChatGPT integration, and text summarisation.
RemoveMacAI is a freely available tool designed to turn off these Apple Intelligence features and delete their downloaded models from a Mac. It was created to address a change in macOS 27, which removed a single on-off toggle for Apple Intelligence. Instead, users must navigate multiple settings panes to disable the features, and the AI models remain stored on their computer.
The models occupy substantial storage space, ranging from approximately 12GB to over 35GB depending on the device. Users who do not want these features, or who need to free up storage, can now use this tool to remove them completely while maintaining other functions such as Dictation.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Apple's removal of the simple toggle to disable Apple Intelligence whilst leaving 12–35GB of model data on disk represents an unjustified restriction on user control. Users who have no interest in these features shouldn't be forced to allocate scarce storage resources to software they don't use, particularly on laptops with limited capacity. The tool restores meaningful choice by allowing users to reclaim storage and ensure their systems contain only what they actually want, reflecting the principle that users should have transparent control over how their devices operate.
The case against
Apple Intelligence is designed as an integrated part of macOS, and users who don't wish to use these features can simply avoid them without needing to remove system components. The storage footprint is a reasonable trade-off for having powerful capabilities readily available, and third-party tools that strip core functionality risk fragmenting the user experience and causing stability issues. Users concerned about storage have established alternatives available to them, and Apple's design reflects the engineering trade-offs necessary for a unified operating system experience.
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Originally published by The Verge as “An open-source tool lets you delete 12GB of Apple Intelligence data on macOS”.