How-to

RemoveMacAI tool deletes Apple Intelligence data on macOS

An open-source command line tool can remove Apple's AI models and disable Siri, Writing Tools, and other features, reclaiming at least 12GB of storage.

A close-up of a MacBook using Siri AI against a black background.

If your Mac is low on storage, a new open-source tool called RemoveMacAI can clear out Apple Intelligence files. The Verge reports that the tool automates what used to be a single Settings toggle. Apple removed that toggle in macOS 27, leaving the AI models on your disk and scattering the feature controls across multiple settings panes.

The developer posted on Reddit that RemoveMacAI finds all the scattered settings and turns them off in one go. It disables Siri, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, the ChatGPT extension, and all AI summaries. Then it deletes the foundation models — about 12GB — and prevents macOS from downloading them again.

Some Mac owners may reclaim even more space. The Verge notes that on its MacBook Air, Apple Intelligence was listed as taking up 35.05GB in Storage settings. You can check your own usage by going to System Settings > General > Storage, clicking the “i” icon next to “macOS,” and looking at the breakdown. RemoveMacAI includes a “removemacai status” command that shows the size of each individual AI model.

The tool is a command-line utility, so you'll need to open Terminal to use it. The developer says changes persist across macOS updates, and Dictation still works after the removal. If you change your mind, a “removemacai revert” command restores everything and lets the models download again.

Who this is for

This tool is for anyone who doesn't use Apple Intelligence features and wants the storage back. You should be comfortable running a command in Terminal and understand that you're trusting third-party code. The developer's claims are plausible, but The Verge has not independently verified that future macOS updates won't re-enable anything.

Do this today

  • Back up your Mac before running RemoveMacAI.
  • Download the tool from its official GitHub repository.
  • Open Terminal and follow the installation instructions.
  • Run “removemacai” to remove the AI models and disable the features.
  • To verify the freed space, run “removemacai status.”
  • Apple Intelligence
  • command line
  • macOS
  • open source
  • RemoveMacAI
  • Siri
  • storage

About Carmen Ruiz

Carmen Ruiz writes Do This Today, the site's daily settings and security tip. She ran the help desk for a Phoenix-area school district from 2013 to 2025, supporting about 30,000 student and staff devices. She is based in Phoenix. Areas of expertise: iPhone and Android settings, account security, passwords and two-factor authentication, home Wi-Fi, software updates, parental controls.