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RemoveMacAI: How to Delete Apple Intelligence

RemoveMacAI is an open-source command-line tool that completely disables Apple Intelligence and deletes its storage-heavy models on macOS 27. It offers an easy way to reclaim gigabytes of disk space and block automatic AI downloads.

In short
  • RemoveMacAI disables Apple Intelligence features and deletes the associated local models.
  • The tool frees up between 12GB and 35GB of disk storage space.
  • Users can install RemoveMacAI via GitHub or the Homebrew package manager.
  • A built-in revert command allows users to restore Apple Intelligence at any time.
In this guide
  1. What is RemoveMacAI?
  2. What features does RemoveMacAI disable?
  3. How much disk space does RemoveMacAI free up?
  4. Is RemoveMacAI safe to use on a Mac?
  5. How to use RemoveMacAI to delete Apple Intelligence
  6. Frequently asked questions

What is RemoveMacAI?

RemoveMacAI is an open-source command-line tool designed to completely disable Apple Intelligence and delete its local AI models on macOS 27. The tool was developed after Apple removed the single master toggle to turn off Apple Intelligence in macOS 27, leaving users to hunt down about a dozen separate settings. It helps users reclaim significant storage space and blocks macOS from downloading the AI files again.

RemoveMacAI Tool Specifications
Developer
GitHub developer
System Compatibility
macOS 27
Storage Reclaimed
12GB to 35GB
License
Open-source
Installation Methods
GitHub install command, Homebrew

What features does RemoveMacAI disable?

RemoveMacAI disables all core Apple Intelligence features in a single run. These features include Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, Siri, the ChatGPT integration, and all system-level AI summaries.

According to the developer, the tool turns off these functions and then wipes the underlying foundation models from the hard drive. However, RemoveMacAI does not affect traditional voice typing, as Apple handles standard Dictation through a separate setting. It also prevents the operating system from downloading these AI assets in the future.

How much disk space does RemoveMacAI free up?

RemoveMacAI can free up anywhere from 12GB to over 35GB of storage space on a Mac. While the developer states that the foundation models take up about 12GB of disk space, the actual savings can be much higher.

For instance, testing by The Verge showed that Apple Intelligence occupied 35.05GB of space on a MacBook Air. Users can check the exact size of each individual AI model on their device by running a dedicated command.

12GBMinimum space taken by foundation models
35GB+Apple Intelligence storage size on some Macs
0GBAI data left on disk after running the tool

Is RemoveMacAI safe to use on a Mac?

RemoveMacAI is safe to use because it does not alter protected directories or disable Mac security protocols. The tool avoids modifying the macOS System folder directly and leaves System Integrity Protection (SIP) fully enabled.

Instead, RemoveMacAI relies on Apple's native asset service and a configuration profile that the user must approve in System Settings. Because the tool is open-source on GitHub, users can examine the source code to verify its safety. Furthermore, each release is built automatically using GitHub Actions and features a build provenance attestation to confirm the code matches the download.

Good for
  • Reclaims up to 35GB of disk space
  • Users who want to completely opt out of AI
  • Keeps System Integrity Protection enabled
Not ideal for
  • Users who rely on Siri or Writing Tools
  • People uncomfortable using command-line tools

How to use RemoveMacAI to delete Apple Intelligence

To use RemoveMacAI, you must run a command in the Terminal app to initiate the automated removal process. This workflow handles both the disabling of AI features and the deletion of the local model files.

  1. Open the Terminal application on your Mac running macOS 27.
  2. Run the install command via GitHub or use the Homebrew package manager.
  3. Review the status report provided by RemoveMacAI detailing your system's current AI state.
  4. Confirm that you want to proceed when prompted by the tool.
  5. Approve the configuration profile in System Settings when redirected by the application.
  6. Wait for the tool to delete the files and apply the block on future downloads.

If you decide to restore Apple Intelligence later, you can reverse the entire process. Running the revert command will turn the features back on and allow macOS to download the models again.

Tip

You can check the current size of individual AI models on your disk by running the command 'removemacai status' in your Terminal.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I need RemoveMacAI on macOS 27?
Apple removed the master off switch for Apple Intelligence in macOS 27, forcing users to navigate about a dozen different settings to turn it off. RemoveMacAI automates this process in a single command and actually deletes the storage-heavy models from your disk.
Does RemoveMacAI disable Dictation on my Mac?
No, RemoveMacAI does not affect standard voice typing or Dictation. Apple manages Dictation through a separate setting, which remains untouched when the AI tool runs.
Can I reinstall Apple Intelligence after deleting it with RemoveMacAI?
Yes, you can restore all AI features and download the models again at any time. Users simply need to run the 'removemacai revert' command in their Terminal to undo all changes.
How do I check how much space Apple Intelligence is using?
You can check the size of each individual AI model by running the 'removemacai status' command in the Terminal. Alternatively, you can view the total space by opening System Settings, navigating to storage, and checking the 'macOS' info section.
Do the changes made by RemoveMacAI persist after macOS updates?
Yes, the developer claims that the block on Apple Intelligence and the removal of the models will persist across subsequent macOS updates.

Sources: Digital Trends · The Verge

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