User level: Level 2 (446 points)EXCUSE ME!! 30 GB ON 256 GB HD. I DON'T EVEN HAVE GEMINI AI; I HAVE THE VERSION BEFORE THE LATEST AI. NOTE: DUE TO AN ACCOUNT RESTRICTION, I DON'T HAVE THE ACESS TO THE AI.
[Edited by Moderator]
Posted on Oct 25, 2026 4:41 AM
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Oct 25, 2026 5:53 AM in response to weeklycod
Apple Intelligence takes up over 30 GB on macOS 27 to store the local models it needs to run. Presumably, the intent is to protect users’ privacy by keeping processing local to the device as much as possible, but ‘we’ are users like you and cannot answer ‘why does Apple do…’ questions. Note that Apple Intelligence offers ChatGPT as an add-on integration, not Google Gemini.
Apple Intelligence launched with macOS 15 Sequoia (and iOS 18), and since then it has become progressively more integrated with macOS (and iOS). On macOS 26 Tahoe, there was option to turn off Apple Intelligence (though doing so did not remove the 12-14 GB of local storage taken up by Apple Intelligence features).
On macOS Golden Gate, the toggle above has been removed, and Apple Intelligence is even more tightly integrated with macOS. Consequently, it is very difficult to turn off. Long-time forum member etresofthas written a helpful tip on how to Turn off Apple Intelligence in macOS 27. The title is somewhat misleading, Apple phrases it more accurately in their support article:
Turn off and restrict access to Apple Intelligence features on Mac
As Apple states, you can turn off and/or restrict access to some features of Apple Intelligence, but you cannot turn off Apple Intelligence altogether.
Apple Intelligence features can be restricted in a more comprehensive way by using a declarative configuration, but that requires device enrollment (i.e., management of the Mac with MDM) and that is beyond the typical processes with which most users are familiar. However, there is a script called Remove Mac AI that is available to execute those functions as a local Profile via a terminal command, if you are comfortable using it. At least one long-time member here has done so without issue. Use it at your own risk.
You can also share your opinion with Apple:
User level: Level 2 (446 points)Oct 25, 2026 5:52 AM in response to neuroanatomist
i could because i have an supervised account where you can get the option. but it was 21 gb earlier but why is it 20 now?
User level: Level 9 (72,871 points)Oct 25, 2026 5:55 AM in response to weeklycod
Siri AI uses Apple Intelligence, but Apple Intelligence is more than just Siri.
User level: Level 2 (446 points)Oct 25, 2026 6:08 AM in response to neuroanatomist
i have siri
User level: Level 2 (446 points)Oct 25, 2026 6:35 AM in response to neuroanatomist
Mr. Neuroanatomist
Through the link you had given, I found an app on the same page is it safe?
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256382611