New open-source tool deletes 12GB of Apple Intelligence data

Overview

A new open-source command-line tool called RemoveMacAI is helping Mac users reclaim significant storage space by completely disabling and removing Apple Intelligence features from macOS. The utility addresses a growing frustration among users who found that disabling AI features via the graphical settings menu no longer frees up the associated data.

The tool allows users to delete approximately 12GB of AI models and prevent macOS from re-downloading them during future system updates. While the exact space occupied can vary, some users have reported figures as high as 35GB on certain devices, highlighting the substantial footprint of Apple’s integrated artificial intelligence suite.

"I wrote RemoveMacAI to do all of it in one go. It turns off Siri, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, the ChatGPT extension and all the summaries, then it deletes the models and stops macOS from downloading them again."

The Problem with macOS 27 Settings

The need for such a tool arose after Apple removed the single, comprehensive toggle for Apple Intelligence in macOS 27. Previously, users could disable the entire AI suite with one click, which automatically removed the underlying models and freed up disk space.

In the current version of macOS, that convenience is gone. Instead, AI features are scattered across multiple settings panes, with several controls hidden under Screen Time restrictions. While users can toggle individual features off, the foundation models remain stored on the device’s internal drive.

This design choice means that even when every AI capability is disabled through the standard interface, the system continues to consume valuable storage without providing any functional benefit to the user. For those with limited storage capacity, this passive accumulation of unused data has become a significant pain point.

The developer behind RemoveMacAI noted that hunting down the necessary settings can be tedious. With approximately a dozen different switches to manage, many users prefer an automated solution that handles the configuration and cleanup in a single operation.

How RemoveMacAI Works

RemoveMacAI operates as a command-line utility that automates the disabling and removal process. When executed, the tool systematically turns off key Apple Intelligence features, including:

• Siri enhancements
• Writing Tools
• Genmoji creation
• Image Playground
• The ChatGPT extension
• Various summary features

Once the features are disabled, the script proceeds to delete the heavy AI model files from the system. Crucially, it also modifies system configurations to block macOS from re-downloading these models during subsequent updates or system checks.

The developer has confirmed that these changes are designed to persist across major macOS updates. This ensures that users do not have to repeatedly run the tool after installing system patches, a common issue with previous manual tweaks.

For users who wish to reverse the process, a revert command is available. Running removemacai revert will re-enable all AI features and allow the system to download the models again. Additionally, a status command provides a breakdown of the size of each individual AI model currently residing on the machine.

Storage Impact and User Reports

While the developer estimates the Apple Intelligence models at about 12GB, anecdotal evidence from the community suggests the actual footprint may be larger on some hardware configurations. During testing, one user discovered that Apple Intelligence was occupying over 35GB of space on their MacBook Air.

To investigate this discrepancy, the user navigated to the storage settings in the macOS Settings app and inspected the details next to "macOS." This revealed that the AI suite could consume nearly three times the developer's estimate on certain devices, depending on the specific models downloaded and cached.

Such variations are common with large-scale OS integrations, as different processors and storage architectures may cache or optimize data differently. However, even the lower estimate of 12GB represents a meaningful amount of free space for many Mac users, particularly those relying on smaller SSD capacities.

The availability of the removemacai status command empowers users to see exactly how much space they are recovering before and after running the tool. This transparency helps manage expectations and confirms that the utility is working as intended.

Privacy and Performance Considerations

Beyond storage savings, RemoveMacAI appeals to users who prioritize privacy and minimal background activity. Apple Intelligence involves continuous local processing and cloud interactions for features like image generation and writing assistance. For users who do not utilize these tools, having them active in the background can be seen as an unnecessary exposure of system resources.

By completely removing the models and blocking re-downloads, the tool ensures that no AI-related data processing occurs unless explicitly re-enabled. This approach aligns with a growing demand for granular control over software permissions and data usage on personal computers.

It is worth noting that the tool claims to leave standard Dictation functionality intact. This distinction is important, as some users rely on voice-to-text features for productivity while having no interest in generative AI capabilities.

As Apple continues to integrate more AI features into its ecosystem, third-party tools like RemoveMacAI may become increasingly relevant. They provide a workaround for users who feel that current operating system settings do not offer sufficient control over their device's storage and privacy settings.