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To stop Apple Intelligence from downloading on-device models on your Mac, turn off Apple Intelligence in System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Apple says this removes its on-device models if they have already downloaded. The exact controls can vary by macOS version.
Turn off Apple Intelligence on your Mac
- Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
- Select Apple Intelligence & Siri in the sidebar.
- Turn off the control next to Apple Intelligence. Apple’s Mac guide says the button text and available option depend on your macOS version and whether you previously set up Apple Intelligence.
Apple says on-device models begin downloading after a device is updated. Download time varies, and Apple recommends Wi-Fi and power for the fastest download. If you want to avoid the download, turn off Apple Intelligence using the system setting above.
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What happens to models already downloaded?
Apple Support states: “If you turn Apple Intelligence off, the on-device models will be removed from your device.” That is Apple’s documented behavior; it does not specify how much storage an individual Mac will reclaim. Apple lists 7 GB of device storage as a system requirement, not as a guaranteed estimate of space that will be freed. See Apple’s requirements and feature availability.
Screen Time restrictions are different
Screen Time can restrict access to selected Apple Intelligence features, but it is not the general off switch. To manage those restrictions, go to System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > Intelligence & Siri. Apple documents controls for categories such as Writing Tools, image creation, and intelligence extensions in its Screen Time guide.
#1 Best Overall
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Apple’s cited instructions do not document a separate pause or download-only control that keeps Apple Intelligence enabled. Restricting individual categories should not be treated as a way to prevent model downloads.
If the setting looks different
Apple’s Mac guide covers macOS Tahoe, while requirements and feature availability can differ by operating-system release and region. If you cannot find the control or the label differs, install available macOS updates and look for Apple Intelligence in System Settings. Not every Mac or language necessarily supports every feature.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
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- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
Rank #3
- AN AMAZING MAC AT A SURPRISING PRICE — With an incredibly portable and durable aluminum design, up to 16 hours of battery life,* and the A18 Pro chip, MacBook Neo is ready to go wherever school takes you.
- FOUR STUNNING COLORS. ONE DURABLE DESIGN — Choose from four beautiful colors — Silver, Blush, Citrus, or Indigo — each with a color-coordinated keyboard. And MacBook Neo is made with a durable recycled aluminum enclosure that helps it reach 60 percent recycled content by weight — the most ever in any Apple product.*
- FLY THROUGH EVERYDAY ASSIGNMENTS — Whether you’re cramming for finals, using Apple Intelligence* to summarize class notes, creating presentations, or even playing the latest Apple Arcade game,* MacBook Neo delivers the performance and AI capabilities you need to get things done.
- UP TO 16 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Neo delivers all day battery life, so you can power through from early morning classes to late night study sessions without worrying about plugging in.
- A VIBRANT 13-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Neo supports 1 billion colors, so photos and videos pop and text is crisp for easy reading.
Rank #2
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