The key feature delivered with macOS 27 Golden Gate is Siri AI, part of Apple Intelligence. And unlike the previous macOS, Golden Gate lacks the simple on-and-off switch to disable the AI. Not to mention the models, reportedly around 12GB, stay on the drive.

RemoveMacAI is a free, open-source app to turn Apple Intelligence off and delete its models. It also keeps macOS from downloading them again. It’s for people who want that space back, or who can’t use Apple Intelligence and want the peace of mind of having it removed.

Beyond the core functionality, I honestly don’t see it as go-to software for everyone. I do agree Apple should bundle an off switch with the possibility of simply removing the models from the machine. However, I don’t think it’s particularly future-proof, let alone recommendable. It can be done, but Apple Intelligence is being integrated fast enough that core features of macOS are being actively replaced with it, namely Spotlight. Spotlight already serves as an access point for Siri AI, much like Gemini being served on Google Search. We don’t know how long traditional indexing and searching will exist on macOS.

RemoveMacAI launched as exactly what its name says — turn off Apple Intelligence and remove its models. Since version 1.0, its README opens with “Debloat macOS”. Privacy settings, annoyances, Apple Music in the Music app. None of it is Apple Intelligence. Had it been introduced as a debloater, I’d call it a good one and say it’s time for Apple to Sherlock the app by adding an off switch proper. Instead, it’s committing the same sin, so to speak, Apple is committing: the AI remover is getting bloated with debloating features. The irony.