macOS 27: Workaround to avoid downloading AI models and save storage

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Apple’s new macOS 27 and iOS 27 releases are drawing criticism for automatically downloading large “Apple Intelligence” AI models—often 14–30 GB—onto devices, with no straightforward way for users to opt out or reclaim the space. Commenters weigh the benefits of the more capable, on-device Siri and system-wide AI features against concerns over forced bloat, privacy, reliability, and the impact on lower-capacity machines like 256 GB Macs. A recurring theme is the distinction between truly user-controlled “local” AI and vendor-controlled “on-device” AI, and calls for Apple to let users fully disable or remove these models.

Storage impact & forced download

  • Apple Intelligence / Siri AI models reportedly take 14–29+ GB, with some users seeing ~30 GB in “Apple Intelligence” storage.
  • This is significant on 256 GB devices, especially for dev machines with simulators/caches or users preferring to keep photos locally.
  • Many object to being unable to fully uninstall or offload the models, calling it bloat for features they may not use.
  • Some note third‑party apps also quietly ship their own models, further consuming storage.
  • Distinction raised: “on-device” ≠ “local” — the complaint is about an unremovable vendor model vs user‑chosen, controllable weights.

Workarounds and configuration

  • Suggested levers: Screen Time → Content & Privacy → Siri restrictions; language/region changes to move Siri into “unsupported” mode; low‑data modes; but details and reliability are not fully clear.
  • Question remains whether disabling Siri/Apple Intelligence in settings prevents downloads; thread does not conclusively answer.
  • Some EU users report AI assets still being downloaded even when cloud features are disabled.

Experience with new Siri / Apple Intelligence

  • Supporters say the new Siri is much more capable: searching emails for specific info, understanding natural questions about past trips, working with reminders and shortcuts, and offering useful generative text.
  • Others report regressions: unreliable timers, slow responses, hallucinated or confused weather/AQI answers, and worse behavior than “classic” Siri for simple tasks.
  • Concerns raised over Siri indexing emails and documents; some see strong privacy guarantees and on‑device inference as sufficient, others say no corporate claims will make them share medical or sensitive data.

OS upgrade tradeoffs

  • macOS 27 is described by some as faster and more stable than 26, but others report UI bugs (dock/space issues).
  • Several users plan to stay on earlier macOS versions (e.g., 15 / Sequoia) to avoid AI storage while still getting security updates.

Broader platform and UX frustrations

  • Many see this as another example of platform “bloat” and dark‑pattern defaults, comparing to Windows and Android “de‑crapifying.”
  • Some advocate switching to Linux (GNOME/KDE/Cosmic), debating whether it’s a UX “downgrade” or now comparable or better.

Miscellaneous

  • Siri usage stats (2.5B requests/day) are interpreted skeptically; usage may be dominated by simple tasks like timers.
  • Apple Intelligence models can be used by apps and Shortcuts beyond Siri itself.