The RemoveMacAI tool, developed by Om Lahore, provides a method for users to manage the storage footprint of Apple Intelligence on their Macs. In macOS 27, Apple removed a unified setting that allowed users to completely disable Apple Intelligence and remove its associated data. This change meant that even if individual AI features were turned off, the underlying models, which can occupy around 12GB or more, remained on the user's disk.
The tool functions by installing a configuration profile that disables Apple's asset management service, which is responsible for downloading and managing the AI models. After removing the models, RemoveMacAI redirects future download attempts to a closed local port, preventing the system from re-downloading them. This process does not require disabling System Integrity Protection (SIP) or direct modification of protected system files. The developer states that the profile persists across macOS updates.
Users who employ RemoveMacAI will lose access to various Apple Intelligence features. These include Siri-related AI capabilities, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, summaries in applications like Mail and Messages, smart replies, inline text predictions, Photos Clean Up, Spatial Photos, and Xcode predictive completion. Dictation functionality remains operational as it is managed separately.
The project has garnered attention on platforms like GitHub, Reddit, and Hacker News since its release. While the tool offers a solution for users seeking to reclaim storage, especially on Macs with smaller SSDs, MacRumors advises users to proceed at their own risk. The developer has noted that some configuration-profile restriction keys used by the tool were deprecated in macOS 26.4, though they remain functional in macOS 27.0.1.
Apple Intelligence models can consume significant storage, with some users reporting more than 12GB. Apple states that its AI features in macOS 27 can require up to 14GB on Macs with an M3 chip or later and at least 12GB of unified memory, while other compatible Macs may require up to 8GB. This local storage of models is intended to enhance privacy by processing tasks directly on the device. For users who do not utilize Apple Intelligence features, the presence of these models represents a use of disk space without perceived benefit.
The RemoveMacAI tool is available on GitHub under the MIT license, allowing for public review of its code. A revert command is available to restore the original settings, which would allow macOS to re-download the models if desired.