How to Get a New Device Without Apple Intelligence Involvement

Select Language:

If you’re like many users who value their privacy and have recently upgraded to a new MacBook Pro, you might be feeling uneasy about Apple’s built-in AI features. While these features, such as Siri, are designed to enhance your experience, you may prefer to minimize or completely disable them. Here’s a practical guide on how to take control of your Mac and tailor it to your preferences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling AI Features on Your MacBook Pro

1. Turn Off Siri

The first step is to disable Siri, which is Apple’s virtual assistant that starts listening as soon as you mention its name. Here’s how to do it:

Go to System Preferences by clicking on the Apple icon in the upper left corner.
Select Siri from the options.
Uncheck the box that says Enable Ask Siri. This will turn off the feature entirely.

2. Stop Personal Suggestions

Next, you can limit the amount of personal information that Apple collects:

In the System Preferences, navigate to Spotlight.
Uncheck the suggestions that you do not want your Mac to display, such as Bing Web Searches, Spotlight Suggestions, or any other related features.

3. Adjust Privacy Settings

To ensure your privacy is respected, take a moment to review the privacy settings:

Open System Preferences and go to Security & Privacy.
Under the Privacy tab, you can manage which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, and other features. Check each category and ensure that only the applications you trust have access.

4. Consider Disabling Location Services

If you want to go a step further, you can disable location services altogether:

In System Preferences, click on Security & Privacy, then the Privacy tab.
Click on Location Services and uncheck the box to turn it off.

5. Purchase a Model Lacking Built-in AI Features

If you feel that the latest MacBook Pro models don’t align with your preferences, consider looking into older models or alternative brands that cater to privacy-minded consumers. Brands like Dell or ASUS often offer choices without the built-in AI features prevalent in newer Apple devices.

6. Research Alternative Brands

Lastly, if you are contemplating a switch from Apple, do some research on brands that prioritize user privacy. Companies like Framework Laptop or even custom-built PCs might better suit your needs, providing a level of control that allows you to opt-out of unwanted monitoring services.

Take Control of Your Experience

While using Apple devices can be beneficial, it’s essential to have options and maintain control over your personal data. By following the steps above, you can enjoy your MacBook Pro while minimizing the risk of unwanted data collection. Remember, your privacy is important, and it’s okay to take steps to safeguard it.