Apple Intelligence can take up to 14GB on newer iPhone, iPad, and Mac models, according to Apple’s support page. Real use is often lower, around 6GB on an iPhone in CNET’s test.
Users can turn it off in iPhone settings. On iOS 27 or later, go to Settings, tap Siri, and choose Turn Off Siri. On iOS 26 and earlier, go to Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, and switch off the toggle.
Turning it off removes tools like Writing Tools, notification summaries, Image Playground, and Siri AI. Regular iPhone functions keep working, and the feature can be switched back on later.
People who skip Writing Tools, notification summaries, and Siri AI lose little by turning it off. This guide explains the storage cost, the steps for each iOS version, and the trade-offs.
Apple’s support page says Apple Intelligence can need up to 14GB on newer iPhone, iPad, and Mac models. Other supported models can use up to 8GB, while Apple Watch needs up to 1.5GB. Real numbers are often lower. CNET reported that the new Siri AI takes about 6.4GB on its test iPhone and 17.9GB on a MacBook Neo.
Pocket-lint said users can gain well over 5GB on an iPhone by removing the on-device models. Early versions needed about 4GB, and MacRumors later noted 7GB per device, which meant 21GB across an iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The size changes with the device and iOS version, and it tends to grow as Apple adds features.
Apple released iOS 27 in September, and it brought a new Siri AI built on Apple Intelligence. On iPhones running iOS 27 or later, users open Settings and tap Siri. They then choose Turn Off Siri and follow the on-screen prompts. On iOS 26 and earlier, users open Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, and switch off the Apple Intelligence toggle.
A pop-up asks for confirmation, and users tap Turn Off Apple Intelligence. Menu names can differ by version, so the option may sit near the bottom of the Siri page. Anyone who wants the older voice assistant can pick Siri Classic instead.
Space does not always return at once. Pocket-lint said the downloaded AI models are removed over time after the switch goes off. To check, users go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage, and tap iOS.
Apple Intelligence appears in that list with its size. After the switch is off, the entry should disappear. Users can also clear large apps and old videos to free even more room.
Turning it off removes Writing Tools, notification summaries, Image Playground, and the newest Siri AI features. Visual Intelligence and Genmoji go as well. Regular iPhone functions keep working as before.
Users who want to keep some tools can disable single features, such as email summaries or ChatGPT use, from the same settings area. That route saves less space, since the AI models stay on the phone.
Apple Intelligence can return at any time. On iOS 27, users select Try Siri AI. On older versions, they flip the same toggle again. The phone will likely need to download the models once more, so users should keep enough free space and a Wi-Fi link ready.
Anyone who wants to turn off Apple Intelligence can do it in iPhone settings in under a minute, and it can free several gigabytes. The trade-off is losing tools like Writing Tools and Siri AI. Users who rarely touch them gain more than they lose. Checking iPhone storage after the change shows the result, and the feature can be turned back on whenever needed.
1. How much iPhone storage does Apple Intelligence use?
Apple says it can need up to 14GB on newer models and up to 8GB on other supported ones. In CNET’s test, the new Siri AI took about 6.4GB on an iPhone. The size changes with the device and iOS version.
2. How do I turn off Apple Intelligence on my iPhone?
On iOS 27 or later, open Settings, tap Siri, and choose Turn Off Siri. On iOS 26 and earlier, open Settings, tap Apple Intelligence & Siri, and switch off the Apple Intelligence toggle. Menu names can differ by version.
3. Will my storage free up right away?
Not always. The downloaded AI models are removed over time after the switch goes off. Users can check progress under Settings, General, iPhone Storage, then iOS.
4. What features will I lose?
Writing Tools, notification summaries, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, Genmoji, and the newest Siri AI features stop working. Everyday iPhone functions stay the same.
5. Can I turn Apple Intelligence back on?
Yes. On iOS 27, select Try Siri AI. On older versions, flip the same toggle again. The phone will likely download the models once more, so keep enough free space and a Wi-Fi connection ready.