Open-source RemoveMacAI tool deletes Apple Intelligence models on macOS 27
In short
An open-source command-line tool called RemoveMacAI can delete Apple Intelligence models on macOS 27 and free up roughly 12GB of storage, according to tech outlets. macOS 27 removed the single toggle that previously disabled Apple Intelligence wholesale, leaving models on disk; the tool disables related features and stops the models from being downloaded again. The developer says the changes persist across updates, dictation still works, and a revert command restores the AI features.
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Tech outlets reported on October 5 that an open-source command-line tool called RemoveMacAI can delete Apple Intelligence models on macOS 27 and free up storage. MacRumors said the tool disables Apple Intelligence, removes downloaded models and prevents them from being downloaded again. The Verge said getting extra storage on a Mac could be as easy as deleting Apple’s AI features with the tool, and Ars Technica summarized that it can free over 12GB of storage. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
The context is a change in macOS 27: Apple removed the single Settings toggle that had disabled Apple Intelligence wholesale. According to The Verge, the models now stay on disk and the features are split across different settings panes. The developer said in a Reddit post that users have to find about a dozen settings, several under Screen Time, and that even when everything is off the foundation models remain on disk at about 12GB. [ 1 , 2 ]
MacRumors said RemoveMacAI works by using a configuration profile to switch off Apple’s asset management service and remove the models. It then redirects attempts to download the removed models to a closed local port, preventing them from immediately returning, and does so without disabling System Integrity Protection or manually deleting files from protected system locations. The Verge reported that the developer claims the changes persist across macOS updates and that Dictation still works. A “removemacai revert” command can turn everything back on and allow the AI models to download again. [ 1 , 2 ]
The trade-off is that removing the models disables AI features. MacRumors listed Siri-related AI features, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, summaries, smart replies, inline predictions, Photos Clean Up, Spatial Photos and Xcode predictive completion as functions users lose. It said plenty of users appear happy to make that sacrifice to free up space, especially on non-upgradeable Macs with 256GB of storage, and that dictation still works. [ 1 , 2 ]
The developer says Apple’s AI models take up about 12GB, but The Verge noted it could be even more. Some users pointed that out in comments on the developer’s Reddit thread, and The Verge writer said Apple Intelligence was listed as taking up 35.05GB on their MacBook Air. The tool also has a “removemacai status” command that can show the size of each individual AI model, The Verge reported. [ 1 , 2 ]
MacRumors said the project attracted hundreds of GitHub stars since its release the previous week and generated discussion on Reddit and Hacker News. The outlet also said MacRumors was not endorsing RemoveMacAI and that anyone using it does so at their own risk. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
For users on Macs with limited, non-upgradeable storage, the tool offers a way to reclaim space after Apple removed the bulk-disable toggle in macOS 27. It also highlights a trade-off: removing the models disables Siri-related AI features, Writing Tools, Genmoji and other functions. The documents do not include Apple’s response or independent testing, so the significance is framed by tech outlets’ coverage of user demand.
Key facts
- RemoveMacAI is an open-source command-line tool that disables Apple Intelligence and deletes its models on macOS 27. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- It can free up roughly 12GB of storage, depending on which models are present. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- macOS 27 removed the single Settings toggle that previously disabled Apple Intelligence wholesale. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The tool uses a configuration profile to switch off Apple’s asset management service, redirects download attempts to a closed local port, and does not disable SIP or manually delete protected files. [ 1 ]
- It disables Siri-related AI features, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, ChatGPT integration, summaries, smart replies, inline predictions, Photos Clean Up, Spatial Photos and Xcode predictive completion. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The developer says changes persist across macOS updates, dictation still works, and a revert command restores everything. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The project attracted hundreds of GitHub stars since its release the previous week, with discussion on Reddit and Hacker News. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- An open-source command-line tool called RemoveMacAI can delete Apple Intelligence models and data from macOS 27, freeing roughly 12GB of storage. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- macOS 27 removed the single Settings toggle that previously disabled Apple Intelligence wholesale, leaving models on disk and features split across settings. [ 1 , 2 ]
- RemoveMacAI disables Apple Intelligence features and prevents the deleted models from being downloaded again. [ 1 , 2 ]
- The developer says the changes persist across macOS updates, dictation still works, and a revert command restores the AI features and downloads. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Some users report Apple Intelligence models taking up more space than 12GB, including a Verge writer’s MacBook Air showing 35.05GB. [ 1 , 2 ]
Still unclear
- Whether Apple will respond to or support the tool’s approach. No document includes a statement from Apple or any official acknowledgement.
- The exact amount of storage the tool frees on a given Mac. Documents cite roughly 12GB but also say the amount varies with installed models, and one example reports 35.05GB.
- Whether the changes will persist across future macOS updates as claimed. The persistence claim comes from the developer and is described by MacRumors as reported, not independently verified.
- Whether the tool has any side effects beyond disabling the listed AI features. The documents describe intended effects but do not report independent testing of other system impacts.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- MacRumors publishes a report on RemoveMacAI, saying it uses a configuration profile and can free roughly 12GB. [ 1 ]
- The Verge reports the tool, citing MacRumors, and quotes the developer on deleting models and turning off features. [ 2 ]
- Ars Technica publishes a summary saying the command-line tool can free over 12GB of storage. [ 3 ]