Command-line tool removes Apple Intelligence from macOS

The open-source tool, created by developer Om Lahore and hosted on GitHub, enables users to "turn off Apple Intelligence on macOS 27" in a reversible manner. According to the developer's GitHub page and a Reddit post, the tool can free up approximately 12GB of storage, with the potential for Apple's AI models to consume over 30GB. RemoveMacAI disables features such as Siri, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, and the ChatGPT extension, while ensuring that Dictation remains functional as it is controlled by a separate setting.

RemoveMacAI operates by using a configuration profile that users approve in System Settings. This method avoids directly altering files within the /System directory, thus preserving System Integrity Protection. The developer also noted that users can choose to disable only specific Apple Intelligence features they do not wish to use. The tool's revert function removes the profile, allowing macOS to re-download the models if a feature is turned back on.

Early user reports on Reddit indicate that the tool is functional, and it has garnered significant attention with 1,700 stars on GitHub. The interest in RemoveMacAI highlights a segment of users who may be hesitant about the increasing integration of AI features in their devices and operating systems, drawing parallels to the practice of "de-crufting" Windows installations.