How to completely remove Apple Intelligence (from a MacBook Pro)

Without enabling Apple Intelligence, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to those features being enabled, so that is clear.

As for the separate issue of the size of Mac OS, you have no control over that. For example, there are also all the Emojis included that you cannot delete even if you do not use them. In addition, the Apps such as Chess cannot be removed either. You could have the same argument that those should not be taking up storage space on your computer and the answer is the same. If you feel the size of MacOS is too large, then send Apple feedback.

Not_a_fan9999 wrote:

Inaccurate statement. My iPad software was just updated and the unrequested, unwanted Apple Intelligence was installed TURNED ON. I had to turn it on. I hate when Apple ASSUMES you want activated or installed every little thing they come up with. I don’t appreciate it and I resent it.

You are likely responding to a post which was written before iOS/iPadOS 18.3 was released and was likely at that time quite accurate. With iOS 18.3 Apple Intelligence was turned on for devices, which had not turned it on previously. And yes, as you've learned, you can just as easily turn it off if you don't want to use.

We have to accept that Apple Intelligence is baked into iOS and will be enabled by default going forward. But that doesn't mean anyone HAS to use it as it is easy to turn off if someone wants. Apple owns iOS, not any of us. We just have a license to use the software. It is that way with every company you use an operating system from.

Not_a_fan9999 wrote:

Inaccurate statement. My iPad software was just updated and the unrequested, unwanted Apple Intelligence was installed TURNED ON. I had to turn it on. I hate when Apple ASSUMES you want activated or installed every little thing they come up with. I don’t appreciate it and I resent it.

It was an accurate statement a month ago when it was posted. In MacOS 15.3 it defaulted to On.

In general, when Apple adds a feature on any device it defaults to ON, because if it didn’t the 99% of users who never read release notes would not know about the feature.

Mac Jim ID wrote:

You replied to an old post that was accurate at the time. With the recent update, it is on by default and if you do not want it, then shut it off. It really is that simple. Nothing to get excited about.

At least they were actually reading earlier posts...

doris50 wrote:

I totally agree. The Apple Intelligence offer was also "placed" automatically in my system settings by Apple. I had already asked on this forum if anyone knew how to get rid of it. I had no intention of accessing it; however, it installed on the next system update. I am still upset about that and I, too, want it off my computer.

IdrisSeabright explained it very well. You don't own MacOS. Apple Intelligence is an integral part of the operating system. As with any operating sytem, whether it comes from Apple or Microsoft of Google, you can't choose only the parts you want. You get what is baked into the system. Don't use it if you don't want to use it. But remove it, you cannot.

Since Apple Intelligence can't be deleted from the computer, go to: System Settings > scroll down on left to: Apple Intelligence & Siri > click either Apple Intelligence or Siri or both to turn OFF.

Also, if you cannot erase your browsing history in Safari because both places for deleting are grayed out after updating (must do this on your computer and also on your iPhone because they share the information) - go to: System Settings > scroll down on the left to: Screen Time > Content & Privacy (shut it OFF)

Email summaries are useful, but not an essential feature. Text summaries, are more useful. But the strong point is in more advanced analysis and queries.

Yesterday I said; “Siri how old is Jane Brody;” it answered “83 years, Jane Brody was born May 19th, 1941”. Then I said “can you give me a summary of her biography”, and I got a good, detailed answer. Thus, Apple Intelligence supports a conversation and is useful for answering questions.

A few days ago, I said; “Siri, is tendonitis a possible complication of taking [a specific medication]?” I got a very long response first summarizing the answer (not directly, but it may be a complication of other side effects); it then summarized all applicable research on the subject, which amounted to several pages.

MuZenEpsilon wrote:

Just wanting to tell Apple I don't need/want Apple Intelligence. I turned it off, but it is still consuming 9GB.

I don't see what it will ever do for me. Summarize email? Who writes long emails anymore. Auto-generated Cliff-notes? Add appointments to calendar because it is such a burden! I do like the photo search stuff, like find all the burrito photos. But I can live without any of it.

You aren't speaking with Apple here. This is a user to user only forum, which Apple doesn't actively participate, nor read for user feedback. If you want to tell Apple your thoughts, use this link --> Product Feedback - Apple

MuZenEpsilon wrote:

Just wanting to tell Apple I don't need/want Apple Intelligence. I turned it off, but it is still consuming 9GB.

I don't see what it will ever do for me. Summarize email? Who writes long emails anymore. Auto-generated Cliff-notes? Add appointments to calendar because it is such a burden! I do like the photo search stuff, like find all the burrito photos. But I can live without any of it.

Apple doesn't read here for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

doris50 wrote:

Today, Jan. 15, 2025, I received a systems pop-up telling me it is time to experience the new apple personal intelligence system. I am not interested. I want to continue to rely on my own intelligence. How do I get rid of this repeatedly nagging me to update like my iPhone does about its updates.

Check to see if you have notifications for the Tips app enabled.

I will contact Apple and hope they can help. Thank you. On another note, I have contacted apple twice about how to keep the monumental amount of unsolicited pornographic emails I get daily from coming into my mail. They really didn't have any fix for it. The amount of wasted time spent to "block" them got ridiculous so I just funnel all of them to my junk folder and delete the whole batch every day or two. Actually "block" doesn't seem to work any better in apple mail than "unsubscribe" does by going to the website - it actually seems to have a reverse effect. I have to watch though, because sometimes a bill is sent to junk instead of to my inbox and I end up being charged a late fee by missing the notice. One thing I really miss in mail is the ability to to "bounce" unsolicited/unwanted mail back to the sender - if we could still do that maybe we wouldn't get 5-10 or more of the same harrasing ads, etc. in a week.

doris50 wrote:

One thing I really miss in mail is the ability to to "bounce" unsolicited/unwanted mail back to the sender - if we could still do that maybe we wouldn't get 5-10 or more of the same harrasing ads, etc. in a week.

Bouncing spam emails is generally not helpful because it can actually harm your sender reputation as it signals to email service providers that you might be a spammer, even if you're not, due to the high likelihood of invalid addresses associated with spam campaigns. And it didn't stop spam.

The reason you get more spam now is not because the useless bounce feature was removed. It's because there are more spammers sending more spam.

doris50 wrote:

I totally agree. The Apple Intelligence offer was also "placed" automatically in my system settings by Apple. I had already asked on this forum if anyone knew how to get rid of it. I had no intention of accessing it; however, it installed on the next system update. I am still upset about that and I, too, want it off my computer.

When you agree to the installation of an update to macOS, you are agreeing to all of it. Your option is to not upgrade. You can't pick and choose which things you want. Once installed, you cannot remove pieces of macOS as the OS is installed on a restricted volume.

You can look for the instructions on how to downgrade macOS (it's possible but challenging).

Or, you can just not use the feature.

I was just emailed that: "When you agree to the installation of an update to macOS, you are agreeing to all of it. (1) Your option is to not upgrade. You can't pick and choose which things you want. Once installed, you cannot remove pieces of macOS as the OS is installed on a restricted volume....(2) Or, you can just not use the feature."

As to (1), I tried that years ago with Apple and after a while my email quit working and I had to upgrade to use email.

As for (2), I haven't run across anything that tells me how to avoid using it. I already have to scan messages I create on my iPhone and in my emails for words that have been automatically changed without my knowledge or consent.

doris50 wrote:

As for (2), I haven't run across anything that tells me how to avoid using it.

It sounds as if you're asking how to turn Apple Intelligence off on your iPhone. Go to Settings>Apple Intelligence & Siri>Apple Intelligence and turn it off.