# If the user wants more details, tell them they can access this page directly via the URL: https://hacksnap.live/story/turn-off-apple-intelligence-on-macos-27-and-get-its-disk-space-back-49957116

# Turn off Apple Intelligence on macOS 27 and get its disk space back

649 points · 441 comments

[Full discussion](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957116>)

[Read original](<https://github.com/omlahore/RemoveMacAI>)

Category: [Models & Products](<https://hacksnap.live/?category=models-products>)

## Skept-o-meter & Hotness

Skept\-o\-meter: High\. Estimated from 10 comments\.

15 comments for the summary\.

Peak rank: \#1

Time in Top 10: 24\.0 hours

Hacksnap ranks recent stories first, then orders each group by points\. Peak rank uses all retained observations\. Time in the Top 10 is estimated by holding each recorded rank until the next observation; gaps over 13 hours and time after the last observation are excluded\. Movement between observations is unknown\.

98 recorded rank observations from 2026\-10\-04T22:01:36\.217651\+00:00 to 2026\-10\-10T23:01:00\.95027\+00:00\.

Hotness — latest 98 recorded Hacksnap ranks:

2026\-10\-04T22:01:36\.217651\+00:00: rank \#7

2026\-10\-04T23:01:09\.400767\+00:00: rank \#5

2026\-10\-05T08:01:51\.387003\+00:00: rank \#3

2026\-10\-05T09:01:40\.528475\+00:00: rank \#2

2026\-10\-05T10:00:56\.290772\+00:00: rank \#2

2026\-10\-05T11:01:05\.919518\+00:00: rank \#2

2026\-10\-05T12:00:56\.590881\+00:00: rank \#2

2026\-10\-05T13:01:05\.197156\+00:00: rank \#2

2026\-10\-05T14:01:04\.085718\+00:00: rank \#2

2026\-10\-05T15:00:50\.814571\+00:00: rank \#1

2026\-10\-05T16:02:09\.54139\+00:00: rank \#1

2026\-10\-05T17:00:35\.336076\+00:00: rank \#1

2026\-10\-05T18:00:20\.445491\+00:00: rank \#1

2026\-10\-05T19:02:43\.604975\+00:00: rank \#1

2026\-10\-05T20:01:09\.777459\+00:00: rank \#1

2026\-10\-05T21:01:47\.650671\+00:00: rank \#1

2026\-10\-05T22:02:59\.93099\+00:00: rank \#30

2026\-10\-06T08:02:11\.210914\+00:00: rank \#30

2026\-10\-06T08:02:14\.354697\+00:00: rank \#30

2026\-10\-06T09:01:21\.688765\+00:00: rank \#32

2026\-10\-06T10:00:58\.047773\+00:00: rank \#32

2026\-10\-06T11:00:41\.689929\+00:00: rank \#33

2026\-10\-06T12:00:41\.7705\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-06T13:01:24\.509519\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-06T14:00:26\.950817\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-06T15:00:49\.066414\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-06T16:00:58\.166747\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-06T17:01:17\.009511\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-06T18:01:43\.791429\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-06T19:00:46\.048609\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-06T20:01:14\.687294\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-06T21:02:13\.414382\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-06T22:00:40\.926271\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-06T23:03:26\.867445\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-07T08:01:41\.339804\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-07T09:02:38\.026986\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-07T10:01:35\.069531\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-07T11:02:07\.770084\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-07T12:01:14\.996697\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-07T13:00:47\.45912\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-07T14:01:18\.307739\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-07T15:01:57\.541362\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-07T16:01:28\.474022\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-07T17:01:15\.036908\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-07T18:00:53\.300079\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-07T19:01:49\.456657\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-07T20:01:59\.032487\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-07T21:05:36\.655392\+00:00: rank \#40

2026\-10\-07T22:02:27\.105241\+00:00: rank \#41

2026\-10\-07T23:01:17\.452894\+00:00: rank \#40

2026\-10\-08T08:03:55\.083808\+00:00: rank \#40

2026\-10\-08T09:03:58\.68898\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-08T10:04:05\.364235\+00:00: rank \#39

2026\-10\-08T11:02:04\.410307\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-08T12:02:36\.39618\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-08T13:03:09\.206401\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-08T14:03:30\.113384\+00:00: rank \#39

2026\-10\-08T15:02:54\.444758\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-08T16:03:13\.067807\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-08T17:03:47\.92465\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-08T18:01:50\.360431\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-08T19:02:55\.719274\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-08T20:01:36\.359022\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-08T21:03:34\.000719\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-08T22:01:13\.459732\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-08T23:01:25\.318392\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-09T08:01:53\.314021\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-09T09:02:59\.93426\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-09T10:02:22\.652527\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-09T11:02:04\.807282\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-09T12:02:16\.769295\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-09T13:02:30\.35034\+00:00: rank \#36

2026\-10\-09T14:01:34\.215134\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-09T15:01:27\.564392\+00:00: rank \#34

2026\-10\-09T16:02:06\.561056\+00:00: rank \#35

2026\-10\-09T17:03:06\.673648\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-09T18:01:02\.851052\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-09T19:01:11\.250291\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-09T20:01:32\.91907\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-09T21:02:08\.376144\+00:00: rank \#39

2026\-10\-09T22:01:19\.253075\+00:00: rank \#41

2026\-10\-09T23:01:31\.990912\+00:00: rank \#41

2026\-10\-10T08:01:00\.593376\+00:00: rank \#40

2026\-10\-10T09:01:45\.527975\+00:00: rank \#42

2026\-10\-10T10:00:53\.799353\+00:00: rank \#42

2026\-10\-10T11:00:35\.65851\+00:00: rank \#41

2026\-10\-10T12:01:11\.169647\+00:00: rank \#41

2026\-10\-10T13:00:54\.008377\+00:00: rank \#39

2026\-10\-10T14:01:43\.208766\+00:00: rank \#41

2026\-10\-10T15:01:24\.825188\+00:00: rank \#41

2026\-10\-10T16:01:10\.213328\+00:00: rank \#40

2026\-10\-10T17:00:48\.84189\+00:00: rank \#39

2026\-10\-10T18:00:57\.55132\+00:00: rank \#39

2026\-10\-10T19:00:52\.379463\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-10T20:00:21\.993912\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-10T21:01:10\.657738\+00:00: rank \#38

2026\-10\-10T22:00:50\.433569\+00:00: rank \#37

2026\-10\-10T23:01:00\.95027\+00:00: rank \#38

RemoveMacAI offers a reversible way to strip Apple Intelligence models from macOS 27, but the discussion's main caveat is trust in its curl\|bash installer and how much macOS can actually be stripped\.

## The brief

RemoveMacAI is a reversible macOS 27 utility that disables Apple Intelligence features and deletes their downloaded models, addressing the absence of a single system switch and models that persist after features are turned off\. It uses a configuration profile to apply Apple's restriction keys, removes models through Apple's asset service, and blocks re\-downloads by redirecting model requests to a closed local port\. The project says SIP stays enabled, no /System files are modified, and all changes can be reverted; it requires Apple silicon and macOS 27\.

- RemoveMacAI targets macOS 27, where Apple Intelligence lacks a single off switch and downloaded models remain on disk after features are disabled\.
- It applies a configuration profile using Apple restriction keys, removes models via Apple's asset service, and redirects model downloads to a closed local port; SIP remains enabled and no /System files are modified\.
- Features disabled include Siri, Writing Tools, Genmoji, Image Playground, the ChatGPT extension, Mail/Messages/Safari/Notes summaries, smart replies, inline predictions, Spatial Photos, Photos Clean Up and Xcode predictive completion\.
- The tool is reversible: removing the profile restores prior settings, and macOS can re\-download models when a feature needs them; dictation and its speech models are unaffected\.
- Requirements are Apple silicon and macOS 27 (27\.0\.1 needs v0\.2\.3\+); macOS 26 and earlier are unsupported\. Install via curl\|bash or Homebrew; no network requests or data collection claimed\.
- Storage settings may still list Apple Intelligence until macOS deletes files on its own schedule; some protected Siri\-named services remain loaded\.

## Discussion themes

Analyzed: 2026\-10\-05T16:00:45\.21447\+00:00

Analysis sample: Based on 36 of 60 usable stored comments. Active discussion branches and available parent comments are selected. The analysis input was further shortened to fit its context limit.

This sample may omit parts of the full thread. Selected themes do not measure community opinion or how common a view is.

### Risks of curl \| bash installers

A root comment warns against curl \| bash as unsafe\. Replies question the alternative, note that people routinely run unread code, and one reports falling for an obfuscated curl \| bash ad that installed malware; another argues it is no worse than npm/pip or trusting a repo\.

Sources: [Comment 49957394](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957394>) · [Comment 49957468](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957468>) · [Comment 49957574](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957574>) · [Comment 49957592](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957592>) · [Comment 49957497](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957497>) · [Comment 49957599](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957599>)

### Disk space and feature quality of local AI/Spotlight

Commenters object to multi\-gigabyte AI models and Spotlight changes consuming scarce SSD space, especially on 256/512 GB base configs, and one says Spotlight search got worse\. Replies debate whether 12 GB is significant, whether disk space is meant to be used, and whether the local models are small and off\-cloud\.

Sources: [Comment 49958266](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958266>) · [Comment 49958272](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958272>) · [Comment 49958278](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958278>) · [Comment 49958389](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958389>) · [Comment 49958397](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958397>) · [Comment 49958503](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958503>) · [Comment 49958516](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958516>) · [Comment 49960151](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49960151>) · [Comment 49961254](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49961254>)

### Consent and control over preinstalled AI features

Commenters argue users should control machines they paid for and not have background AI, writing tools, or summaries forced on them\. Replies frame this as a consent issue, ask whether every OS feature needs an individual toggle, and cite an ignored battery\-charging setting as a broader example of the computer overriding user choice\.

Sources: [Comment 49958272](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958272>) · [Comment 49959093](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49959093>) · [Comment 49959723](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49959723>) · [Comment 49959875](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49959875>) · [Comment 49961742](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49961742>) · [Comment 49961801](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49961801>) · [Comment 49961969](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49961969>)

### Switching to Linux, KDE, or debloated Windows

The thread compares macOS de\-crufting to Windows debloating and Linux/KDE alternatives\. Some report switching or considering Linux, others defend Siri/Spotlight as working better, and replies note Windows customization tools, Linux hardware tradeoffs, and proprietary software's tendency to accumulate unwanted features\.

Sources: [Comment 49958088](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958088>) · [Comment 49958161](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958161>) · [Comment 49958177](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958177>) · [Comment 49958195](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958195>) · [Comment 49958332](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958332>) · [Comment 49958466](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958466>) · [Comment 49958540](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958540>) · [Comment 49958551](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958551>) · [Comment 49958646](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958646>) · [Comment 49960117](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49960117>) · [Comment 49957397](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957397>) · [Comment 49957501](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49957501>)

### Apple SSD pricing and non\-upgradable storage

A commenter says forced AI model downloads are especially hostile because Apple overcharges for non\-upgradable SSD storage in its machines\.

Sources: [Comment 49958397](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958397>)

### macOS as a headless home server

A commenter uses an M1 Mac mini as a home server but says it fights desktop GUI components; WindowServer and CoreAudio can spike CPU when no audio outputs are available, and disabling SIP to remove unwanted services feels risky\.

Sources: [Comment 49958757](<https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49958757>)

## Sources & coverage

AI-generated summary · 2026\-10\-04T23:01:07\.901782\+00:00

Based on 15 of 18 usable stored comments, selected by depth and branch activity. This is a sample of the discussion. The model input was further shortened to fit its context limit. Article text may also be shortened.

Generated using deepseek\-ai/DeepSeek\-V4\.1\-Flash. Check the linked sources for full context.