How to Disable AI in MacBook Pro Apps Without Apple Intelligence

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If you’re noticing AI features popping up on your MacBook Pro and want to turn them off, you’re not alone. Some apps show AI suggestions or tools that you might find unnecessary or even intrusive. Here’s a simple guide to help you disable AI features on your MacBook Pro.

First, it’s important to understand that AI features are often integrated into specific apps rather than the system itself. So, the best way to turn them off is by checking the settings within each app.

Step 1: Identify the Apps Using AI

Look at the apps where the AI features are showing up. Common apps might include messaging, photo editing, or productivity tools. Once you’ve identified them, open each app to find AI-related settings.

Step 2: Adjust Settings in Each App

Most apps that use AI have settings to disable these features. Here’s what you can typically do:

Go to the app’s menu or preferences.
Look for options labeled “AI,” “Smart Suggestions,” or similar.
Turn off or disable these options.

Step 3: Turn off AI Suggestions Built into macOS

While macOS doesn’t have a centralized “AI” toggle, some features like Siri, Spotlight, or Quick Look might incorporate AI-like suggestions. To disable or limit these:

Siri: Go to System Preferences > Siri & Spotlight. Turn off Siri if you don’t want voice assistance.
Spotlight Suggestions: Still in System Preferences, select Spotlight. Uncheck options like “Allow Spotlight Suggestions” and “Allow Bing Web Searches.”

Step 4: Manage Privacy Settings

Some AI features are tied to data sharing. You can tweak privacy preferences to limit data shared with services:

Open System Preferences and go to Privacy & Security.
Review options for Analytics & Improvements.
Deselect any options related to sharing usage data.

Step 5: Update or Remove Apps

If an app continues to show AI features and you prefer not to use them, consider updating the app to see if newer versions offer more controls. Alternatively, uninstall apps that heavily rely on AI if they don’t meet your preferences.

By following these steps, you can effectively disable or limit unwanted AI features on your MacBook Pro. Remember, not all AI functionalities are built into the macOS system itself—they might be part of third-party apps, so check the settings within those apps for the best results.