Manage iPhone & Mac Storage – Tips for Freeing Up Space | Tony’s Tech Support
Apple’s latest updates—iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3—introduce a feature called Apple Intelligence, packed with AI tools that promise to make your device more intuitive. While this can be exciting, there’s a catch: it consumes valuable storage space. If you’re running low on storage or don’t use the AI features, you might want to consider disabling it. Here’s why and how to do it.
Why Should You Consider Disabling Apple Intelligence?
Apple Intelligence brings several machine learning-based tools to your devices, such as Genmoji, Image Playground, Clean Up in Photos, and more. But with every new tech feature, there’s often a price: in this case, storage. Apple Intelligence can use up to 7GB of space per device. That’s a hefty chunk if you’re managing multiple devices (e.g., an iPhone, iPad, and Mac), totalling up to 21GB!
As Apple continues to roll out AI updates, like the upcoming iOS 18.4, storage requirements may grow even more. If you’ve noticed your devices slowing down or running out of space, it’s worth taking action.
How Disabling It Saves You Space
When you disable Apple Intelligence, your device removes the associated assets and models that take up space. You’re effectively cleaning out what’s not being used and optimizing the storage available for apps and other data you need. It’s a quick win for freeing up valuable space on your device without compromising its overall performance.
The Trade-Off: What You’ll Lose
If you decide to disable Apple Intelligence, you’ll lose features like:
Genmoji and Image Wand in the Apple Pencil tool.
Siri enhancements (though it’ll still work, just not as smart).
ChatGPT integration within Siri (which may be a dealbreaker for some users!).
If you don’t use these AI features or find them more of a novelty, the storage savings might outweigh the loss of functionality.
How to Disable Apple Intelligence on Your Devices
It’s a straightforward process across devices:
iPhone & iPad: Go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri and toggle off Apple Intelligence.
Mac: Open System Settings, find Apple Intelligence & Siri in the sidebar and toggle off Apple Intelligence.
When Should You Disable It?
If you’re running low on storage, especially if your device is older or has less available space, disabling Apple Intelligence can be a simple way to free up gigabytes of storage without complicating your device’s setup. If you’re not using the AI features, this could be an easy decision.
If you’re unsure about the feature, but you need some extra space for important apps or photos, go ahead and give it a try. You can always turn it back on later if you change your mind!
A Quick Fix for Tech Headaches
At Tony’s Tech Support, we understand that managing device storage isn’t always straightforward, especially when it comes to new updates and features. If you need a hand cleaning up of your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, or if you’re running into storage issues, reach out for personalized support. From troubleshooting to system clean-ups, we’ve got your back, and we can guide you through making the most of your device’s storage.
