Apple Intelligence is enabled by default on supported devices and occupies several gigabytes of storage. Previously, users who didn't need the AI features could disable them with a single switch. With iOS 27, this switch has disappeared – fundamentally changing the way to turn off Apple Intelligence.
Since iOS 18.3, Apple has automatically activated AI features on compatible devices, rather than making them an optional extra. Users who don't want them must take action themselves – for reasons such as limited storage space, annoying summaries, or simply lack of interest. As long as Apple Intelligence is set up and activated, the features run in the background. How to reverse this now depends heavily on the system version: In iOS 26, a simple switch is sufficient, while in iOS 27, it requires navigating through individual functions.
Why many want to turn off AI
There are four recurring reasons that speak in favor of deactivation:
- Storage space: The local AI models occupy around 7 GB per device. Users of iPhones, iPads, and Macs quickly lose over 20 GB – a significant amount on a 128 GB iPhone.
- Battery and heat: The models run directly on the chip, which costs computing power and can become noticeable during intensive use.
- Disruptive summaries: Summarized messages and email previews don't always get to the heart of the matter and have led to misinterpretations in the past.
- Data privacy: While most processing takes place locally, more complex requests are routed to Apple's servers. Apple Intelligence's article on data privacy explains exactly how this interaction works. The common assumption that everything necessarily remains on the device is incorrect.
Completely disable Apple Intelligence in iOS 26
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 still have the central switch that turns off the entire AI layer.
On iPhone and iPad:
- Open the settings.
- Tap on "Apple Intelligence & Siri".
- Turn off the top switch under "Apple Intelligence".
- Confirm the prompt with "Disable Apple Intelligence" (highlighted in red).
On Mac:
- Open System Preferences.
- Select "Apple Intelligence & Siri" in the sidebar.
- Turn off the switch next to "Apple Intelligence" and confirm the message.
This removes all AI functions from the user interface: writing tools, summaries of messages and emails, Image Playground, Genmoji, ChatGPT integration, and Siri's AI layer. The device otherwise continues to function completely normally. Reactivation is possible at any time via the same switch – the models will then be downloaded again, which requires time and free storage space.
The central switch is missing in iOS 27
With iOS 27, Apple is changing the rules. In the previous beta versions, the master switch no longer exists: there is no single toggle that disables all AI functions at once and removes the models from the device. This is due to the deep integration of the new Siri generation with the system – Apple Intelligence is no longer an add-on layer, but part of the operating system.
For those affected, this has an unpleasant side effect: Beta testers report that the AI components continue to occupy memory without being able to free it up – in some cases over 20 GB. Anyone who previously disabled it for memory reasons now loses a key reason for doing so.
Turning off Siri is not enough
The obvious workaround would be via Siri – in iOS 27, the menu item in the settings is simply called "Siri," reinforcing the impression that the assistant can be used to disable all AI. However, the switch only deactivates Siri itself. The other AI functions remain active: writing tools, Image Playground, and parts of Visual Intelligence are still available, and the local models remain on the device. Beta testers report that memory usage remains unchanged even when Siri is switched off. What worked up to iOS 26 no longer works in iOS 27.
It's important to put this in perspective: This is the current state of the developer betas. Whether the complete disable switch will return by the final version this fall is uncertain – some testers are hoping for it. However, it shouldn't be relied upon. Anyone who wants to completely eliminate AI is still better off with iOS 26.
Disable individual functions selectively
Regardless of the system version, individual functions can be disabled – in iOS 27, this is even the only remaining way. This is also useful if only certain things are bothersome, but everything else is acceptable. One detail to note: The menu item is called "Apple Intelligence & Siri" in iOS 26, but simply "Siri" in iOS 27 – it refers to the same area.
| Feature | Access via settings |
|---|---|
| Summaries in email | Settings → Mail → Disable preview summary |
| News summaries | Settings → Messages → Disable Summary |
| ChatGPT connection | Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri → Turn off ChatGPT extension |
| Tap instead of speak with Siri | Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri → "Talk and type with Siri" |
| Visual Intelligence via the action button | Settings → Action button → Assign another function |
| Image Playground | Press and hold the app icon and delete the app |
| Learning from a single app | Settings → [App] → Apple Intelligence & Siri → Turn off "Learn from this app" |
Summarized notifications are a special case: they can be controlled separately if the goal is simply to reduce notification noise without sacrificing other functions. How to selectively manage notifications and focus is a topic in itself.
Screen time as the most comprehensive lever
The most thorough remaining method is via Screen Time – especially in iOS 27, where the master switch is missing. In the restrictions settings, writing tools and image creation can be blocked in one central location, which is particularly useful on children's devices. Unlike a single function switch, this block applies system-wide and can be secured with a passcode. The process and individual options are described in detail in the article on restricting Apple Intelligence via Screen Time.
What disabling the memory really does
A common misconception: After deactivating AI models, the storage space isn't immediately freed up. The system doesn't remove the AI models instantly, but only when it actually needs the space. If you check the storage immediately after turning it off, you'll often see that the gigabytes are still occupied – this is normal and not a bug. In iOS 26, deactivating the AI models gradually frees up the approximately 7 GB of storage. In iOS 27, according to the current beta version, this effect is completely eliminated because the models can no longer be removed.
What applies in Germany and the EU
For users in Germany, there's an additional consideration. The new Siri generation from iOS 27 won't initially launch on iPhones and iPads in the EU because it conflicts with the Digital Markets Act. It is, however, available on Macs and Apple Vision Pro. In practical terms, this means that for the time being, German iPhones simply have fewer AI functions to manage than in the US – the debate about the missing "off" switch is less relevant here. Switzerland is not affected by this restriction, as the Digital Markets Act does not apply there; the new Siri generation is available there, just as it is in the rest of the world.
Fewer switches, less choice
Disabling Apple Intelligence used to be a two-second process - a toggle, a confirmation, done. This remains true in iOS 26. With iOS 27, Apple is moving AI from an optional add-on to a built-in system feature, and those who don't want it will have to adjust the functions individually or use Screen Time. Whether the large toggle switch will return will be decided before the fall release. Until then, it's worth noting: Anyone who wants to retain control over AI functions should know exactly what they're getting into before updating.
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Frequently Asked Questions: How to disable Apple Intelligence
On iOS 26, go to Settings → "Apple Intelligence & Siri" → turn off the top switch and confirm the message. The process is identical on a Mac via System Preferences.
In the iOS 27 betas, Apple has removed the central switch and deeply integrated the AI with Siri. The section is now simply called "Siri." Only individual functions can be disabled or locked via Screen Time.
No. The Siri switch only disables the assistant itself. Writing tools, Image Playground, and parts of Visual Intelligence remain available, and the local models remain on the device - so memory is not freed up.
Yes, in iOS 26 – disabling it removes the local models. In iOS 27, according to the current beta version, this is no longer possible; the models remain on the device.
Approximately 7 GB per device. However, this space is not freed up immediately, but only when the system actually needs it.
Yes. Summaries in emails and messages, ChatGPT integration, tapping to Siri, and other features can be individually disabled in the settings. The most thorough way to block them is via Screen Time.
In iOS 26, the same switch is used. The models will then be downloaded again, which requires time and free storage space.
