A new open-source command-line tool called RemoveMacAI allows macOS users to delete Apple Intelligence models and disable associated AI features, freeing up significant storage space.
What Happened
RemoveMacAI was developed to address the removal of the single settings toggle for Apple Intelligence in macOS 27. According to the developer, who shared the tool on Reddit, the utility disables features including Siri, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, the ChatGPT extension, and summaries. It then deletes the foundation models from the disk and blocks macOS from downloading them again.
The developer estimates that Apple's AI models occupy approximately 12GB of storage, though some users reported higher figures. For instance, one user noted that Apple Intelligence appeared to take up 35.05GB on their MacBook Air when checking storage details in System Settings. The tool includes a status command that displays the size of each individual AI model on the Mac.
Why It Matters
The release of RemoveMacAI highlights growing friction around the integration of AI features in macOS, particularly regarding storage consumption. With the previous method of disabling Apple Intelligence removed, users now face a fragmented settings experience where features are split across different panes, including Screen Time. This tool provides a unified solution for users who wish to reclaim disk space or opt out of AI features entirely.
The developer claims that the changes persist across macOS updates, offering a more permanent solution than toggling individual settings. Additionally, the tool ensures that core functionality like Dictation continues to work. For users who may change their minds, a revert command is available to re-enable features and allow the AI models to download again.
The Bottom Line
RemoveMacAI offers a streamlined, open-source alternative to manually disabling Apple Intelligence features and deleting their associated data files. By blocking automatic re-downloads, it provides macOS users with greater control over their storage and AI feature preferences.