Apple’s latest update – Apple Intelligence – brings powerful generative AI tools to iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Designed to help users write better, generate images, create emojis, and interact with Siri more intelligently, this system-wide feature is available in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
But not everyone wants these features enabled. Whether you’re concerned about privacy, performance, or simply prefer a more traditional interface, you may be wondering how to turn off Apple Intelligence on your Apple devices.
In this post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to disable Apple Intelligence on iPhone, iPad, and Mac – feature by feature. A Complete Guide for iOS 18, iPadOS 18 & macOS Sequoia to switch Off Apple Intelligence.
How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence on iPhone (iOS 18)
Apple Intelligence is only available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and newer devices running iOS 18.
1. Turn Off AI Writing Tools
Apple Intelligence offers writing assistance such as Proofread, Rewrite, and Summarize.
To disable:
- Open Settings > General > Keyboard
- Toggle off:
- Proofread with Apple Intelligence
- Rewrite Suggestions
- Summarize Text
2. Disable Image Playground
Image Playground uses generative AI to create fun images in apps like Messages and Notes.
To turn it off:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Intelligence
- Tap Image Playground
- Toggle it off
3. Turn Off Genmoji
Genmoji lets you create custom emojis using prompts.
Steps:
- In the same Apple Intelligence menu, toggle off Genmoji
4. Limit Siri’s Apple Intelligence Features
Apple Intelligence enhances Siri with more contextual understanding.
To disable advanced Siri AI:
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search
- Turn off:
- Use Personal Context
- Suggestions in Search and Look Up
5. Block Cloud-Based AI (Private Cloud Compute)
Apple Intelligence sometimes uses Private Cloud Compute for complex tasks.
To restrict this:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements
- Turn off:
- Share with Apple
- Improve Siri & Dictation
- If listed: Allow Cloud Compute
How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence on iPad (iPadOS 18)
Apple Intelligence is only available on iPads with M1 chip or newer, running iPadOS 18.
The steps are nearly identical to iPhone:
1. Disable Writing Tools
- Go to Settings > General > Keyboard
- Turn off all AI-powered writing features
2. Turn Off Image Playground & Genmoji
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Intelligence
- Toggle off:
- Image Playground
- Genmoji
3. Customize Siri AI
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search
- Turn off:
- Use Personal Context
- On-device Suggestions
4. Stop AI Cloud Access
- Go to Settings > Analytics & Improvements
- Turn off all Apple AI-related sharing settings
How to Turn Off Apple Intelligence on Mac (macOS Sequoia)
Available on Macs with M1 chip or newer, running macOS Sequoia.
1. Open System Settings
Go to Apple Menu > System Settings
2. Disable AI Writing Tools
- Go to Keyboard > Writing Tools
- Turn off:
- Rewrite Suggestions
- Summarize Text
- Proofread Text
3. Turn Off Image Playground and Genmoji
- Navigate to Privacy & Security > Apple Intelligence
- Toggle off:
- Image Playground
- Genmoji
4. Manage Siri AI Features
- Go to Siri & Spotlight
- Turn off:
- Use Personal Context
- Enhanced Responses with Apple Intelligence
5. Stop AI Cloud Processing
- Go to Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements
- Disable:
- Share with Apple
- Private Cloud Compute (if listed)
Can You Fully Turn Off Apple Intelligence?
No. Apple Intelligence is a system-level feature and cannot be completely removed or disabled with a single switch. However, you can turn off nearly all active features and prevent it from interacting with your data or apps.
Why You May Want to Turn Off Apple Intelligence
- Privacy Concerns: Prefer not to have your content analyzed
- Performance Impact: Reduce background AI processing
- Minimalist Experience: Keep your workflow distraction-free
- Parental Control: Restrict access to generative AI features
Final Thoughts
Apple Intelligence represents the future of on-device AI – personalized, private, and powerful. But if you’re not ready for it or prefer a simpler experience, Apple gives you the tools to disable AI features on iPhone, iPad, and Mac with full control over your privacy settings.
Whether you’re concerned about data usage, want a distraction-free workspace, or simply don’t need these features, now you know how to tailor your device to suit your preferences.