How to switch off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Apple released new software updates on Monday, including iOS 18.3, which automatically opts users into Apple Intelligence, at least for newer devices TechCrunch. Not everyone wants generative AI features enabled by default on their devices, and TechCrunch notes that there has been discussion and criticism around Apple Intelligence. This guide walks you through turning off Apple Intelligence from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and it should be the same process across devices.

TL;DR

• Apple Intelligence can be switched off on iPhone, iPad, and Mac using a simple toggle.
• On iOS, go to Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri; on Mac, go to System Settings > Apple Intelligence; toggle off and confirm.
• You can also disable Siri during this process for privacy and security reasons (notably on the lock screen).
• Apple describes its AI features as privacy-minded, tied to a Private Cloud Compute system where no personal data touches Apple Intelligence servers.

Context and background

Apple’s latest software updates include iOS 18.3, which the company states automatically opts users into Apple Intelligence for newer devices. This has drawn attention from users who prefer not to have AI features enabled by default. The TechCrunch report highlights that not everyone wants these features activated by default, and that there is ongoing public discussion about Apple Intelligence. The article emphasizes that disabling Apple Intelligence is possible and straightforward. For readers concerned about privacy, Apple frames its AI features around a privacy-minded architecture described as Private Cloud Compute, a claim that is central to the company’s privacy messaging.

What’s new

The new software updates bring Apple Intelligence into play by default on newer devices, but users retain the ability to opt out. The process to disable Apple Intelligence is clearly documented in Settings and System Settings, and can be completed with a toggle. On iOS, the option appears under Apple Intelligence & Siri, while on macOS it lives under Apple Intelligence in System Settings. The opt-out flow requires confirming that you want to stop using Apple Intelligence after you toggle off the feature. The option to turn off Siri is also available within the same menus, and TechCrunch notes this as a recommended step for privacy and security—especially to limit Siri activity on the lock screen.

Why it matters (impact for developers/enterprises)

For developers and enterprises, the ability to disable AI features by device is a reminder that end-user control remains a core aspect of platform privacy settings. Apple positions Apple Intelligence as privacy-conscious through its Private Cloud Compute approach, claiming that no personal data touches Apple Intelligence servers. Organizations evaluating consumer AI features should consider the implications of default opt-ins, user consent prompts, and the impact on data governance policies when deploying apps on platforms that offer built-in AI capabilities.

Technical details or Implementation

Below is a concise, platform-by-platform guide to disable Apple Intelligence. The steps are designed to be followed by everyday users and do not require advanced technical knowledge. Where applicable, a confirmation dialog appears after you toggle the switch to stop using Apple Intelligence.

Steps to disable on Mac

1. Open System Settings.
2. Click on Apple Intelligence.
3. If the toggle is on, switch it off.
4. A confirmation dialog will appear; confirm that you want to stop using Apple Intelligence.
5. Optionally, turn off Siri here as well for privacy and security reasons.

Steps to disable on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Apple Intelligence & Siri.
3. Toggle off Apple Intelligence.
4. A confirmation dialog will appear; confirm your choice to stop using Apple Intelligence.
5. You can also turn off Siri in the same menu, which TechCrunch notes as a privacy-friendly option, particularly regarding Siri on the lock screen.

Quick reference table

Key takeaways

• Apple Intelligence can be disabled from both macOS and iOS/iPadOS via a simple toggle.
• The disable flow requires user confirmation in a dialog after toggling off.
• Siri can be disabled alongside Apple Intelligence, contributing to privacy and security benefits, especially on the lock screen.
• Apple’s privacy positioning for Apple Intelligence centers on a Private Cloud Compute model, with a claim that no personal data touches Apple Intelligence servers.

References

• https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/27/how-to-switch-off-apple-intelligence-on-your-iphone-ipad-and-mac