Artificial Intelligence

New Tool Lets Users Delete 12GB of Apple Intelligence Data

A new open-source command line utility has emerged to help macOS users completely remove Apple Intelligence features and reclaim disk space occupied by local AI models.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 6, 2026 · Updated: October 6, 2026 · 3 min read

New Tool Lets Users Delete 12GB of Apple Intelligence Data — Image: The Verge

Introduction to RemoveMacAI

Getting some extra storage space on your Mac could be as easy as deleting Apple’s AI features with a new open-source command line tool called RemoveMacAI. As reported by The Verge, the utility addresses a storage issue that has frustrated users since Apple altered how its artificial intelligence suite is managed on newer operating system versions.

There used to be a single Settings toggle for disabling Apple Intelligence, but that was removed in macOS 27. Consequently, the heavy AI models stay on the computer disk even when users attempt to switch off the features across various fragmented settings panes.

How the Open-Source Tool Functions

As spotted earlier by MacRumors, the developer behind the utility explained the motivation and mechanics of the software in a post on Reddit. The tool essentially replicates the function of the old system toggle by stripping out the necessary files and halting background downloads.

The developer noted that managing the feature manually requires disabling roughly a dozen separate settings, several of which are tucked away under Screen Time. Even with all features deactivated, the foundation models remain on the disk, occupying about 12 gigabytes of storage capacity.

Features Deactivated and Storage Reclaimed

The command line utility handles multiple tasks in a single execution step. It systematically turns off Siri enhancements, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, the ChatGPT extension, and system-wide summaries.

Once these features are disabled, the script deletes the underlying models and stops macOS from automatically downloading them again in the background. The developer claims that these modifications persist even across subsequent macOS system updates, though essential system functions like Dictation continue to operate normally.

Storage Variations and Additional Commands

While the developer references a baseline storage consumption of about 12GB, individual experiences may vary significantly. Some participants in the developer's online discussion thread pointed out that their systems showed much higher storage usage dedicated to artificial intelligence components.

For instance, one user testing a MacBook Air found that Apple Intelligence occupied over 35GB of disk space. To help users diagnose their specific storage footprint, the utility includes a 'removemacai status' command designed to display the exact size of each individual AI model currently stored on the Mac.

Reverting Changes and Future Control

For users who might want to experiment with Apple's artificial intelligence tools later or reverse their modifications, the utility provides an escape hatch. A built-in command labeled 'removemacai revert' allows individuals to restore the default state, turning everything back on and permitting the operating system to download the AI models once again.