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

There has been no satisfactory answer to this question posed by TylrrRgile in September.

I found out this software had been installed on my MacBook Pro when I noticed the available disk space had suddenly and unaccountably dropped by 9GB. I had recently installed the most recent update to Sequoia, but the installation of Apple Intelligence seems to have occurred some time after that. In any case, I was given no warning that this software was being installed, and no option to prevent such installation.

I have similar objections to those expressed by TylrrRgile. I also have no use whatever for this software. Furthermore, it appears from the icon on the Systems Settings page that this is beta software. So my current situation is that 9GB of my disk storage is being taken up by beta software that I will never use and did not ask for.

Therefore, I very much wish to know how to remove this software.

MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Jan 13, 2025 2:41 PM

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lobsterghost1

Level 10

187,025 points

Posted on Feb 10, 2025 11:27 AM

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.

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35 replies

doris50

Level 1

54 points

Jan 15, 2025 3:38 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

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.

Jan 15, 2025 4:00 PM in response to doris50

I'm not sure you can stop these reminders. But this is a user to user only forum, so contact Apple directly to ask them. If you're in the US, you can call Apple at: 800-MY-APPLE. You can use the Support button at the bottom of this page. You can visit the Genius Bar at your Apple Store.

Feb 10, 2025 11:14 AM in response to doris50

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.

doris50

Level 1

54 points

Feb 10, 2025 11:36 AM in response to mikehASC

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.

Feb 9, 2025 8:59 AM in response to Not_a_fan9999

Correction. I had to turn it OFF (not on). It’s getting to the point that I do not like Apple at all.

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