A new open-source macOS tool called RemoveMacAI allows users to disable Apple Intelligence, delete its locally stored AI models and prevent macOS from downloading them again.
The tool could help Mac users recover significant amounts of storage space, particularly those who do not use Apple's AI features.
The development comes after Apple removed the single switch previously available for disabling Apple Intelligence in macOS 27, leaving users to manage individual AI features across different settings.
RemoveMacAI disables Apple's AI features
According to The Verge, RemoveMacAI is a command-line tool designed to replicate the functionality of the older Apple Intelligence disable switch.
The tool can reportedly turn off a range of Apple's AI features, including:
- Siri
- Writing Tools
- Genmoji
- Image Playground
- ChatGPT integration
- AI-generated summaries
It also deletes the Apple Intelligence models stored on the Mac and prevents macOS from automatically downloading them again.
The developer said the tool essentially performs in one operation what users would otherwise have to accomplish by changing about a dozen settings, including several located under Screen Time.
Apple Intelligence can take up significant storage
Apple Intelligence relies partly on AI models stored locally on compatible Macs.
The developer of RemoveMacAI estimates that the models occupy about 12GB of storage.
However, the actual amount can vary between devices.
The Verge reported that Apple Intelligence appeared to occupy 35.05GB on one MacBook Air when checked through the macOS storage settings.
This means users could potentially recover anywhere from several gigabytes to more than 30GB, depending on their device and configuration.
Changes reportedly remain after updates
The developer claims that the changes made using RemoveMacAI persist through macOS updates.
The tool also reportedly leaves Dictation functioning normally.
Users who later want to restore Apple Intelligence can use the tool's removemacai revert command, which reverses the changes and allows the AI models to be downloaded again.
A Long-sought Relief
Apple Intelligence is increasingly integrated into Apple's operating systems, but not every Mac user wants to use the features.
For users with limited storage, locally stored AI models can also represent a significant amount of disk space.
RemoveMacAI therefore offers an alternative for people who want to remove Apple's AI models rather than simply leave unused models occupying storage.
However, because the tool modifies system settings and removes files associated with macOS features, users should understand what it changes before running it.
The tool is open source, meaning its code can be inspected by developers and technically minded users.
Source: The Verge