Turning off this iPhone option may free up 21GB of storage

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Innovative Storage Solution for iPhone Users

Individuals across the digital landscape have unearthed a novel method to liberate additional storage on iPhones, necessitating the deletion of a singular feature.

Enthusiastic users have taken to social media platforms to disseminate this obscure yet effective hack aimed at creating more space on their devices when storage begins to dwindle.

This revelation follows accounts from various users who have opted to disable Apple Intelligence, resulting in an astonishing reclamation of up to 21 GB of storage capacity.

This AI component is seamlessly woven into the fabric of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, as described by Apple, which touts it as a “truly helpful AI that caters to your specific needs—integrated into your apps, contextually aware, and private at every juncture.”

Nevertheless, it seems that a segment of users prefer to utilize the storage allocated to the AI feature for alternative purposes.

On Reddit, a user recounted their experience: “Disabling Apple Intelligence somehow freed up 21GB?! I initially turned it off for enhanced performance and battery longevity. Unexpectedly, I found that I had significantly increased storage capacity!”

“My iPhone 16 Pro, with a 128GB capacity, typically hovered around 124GB utilized, with approximately 60GB consumed by Photos. Now, it has plummeted to merely 39GB—without utilizing iCloud Photos optimization or subscribing to iCloud.”

“Is it plausible that disabling Apple Intelligence truly liberated this storage, or might there be underlying factors at play? WHAT IS APPLE INTELLIGENCE DOING WITH MY PHOTOS APP???”

The user continued: To those suggesting that Apple Intelligence consumes storage space, I concur; however, my primary concern lies with the Photos app, which dropped significantly from ~60GB to 39GB after turning it off.

That’s a remarkable 21GB variance. I’m genuinely apprehensive that some of my photos may have been inadvertently deleted or removed.

Another participant noted, A similar occurrence transpired for me. Confronted with dire storage limitations, I disabled Apple Intelligence.

I immediately noticed a reduction of roughly 23GB from the Photos app (I didn’t verify the iOS page). Following that, I updated all the apps I had postponed due to storage constraints.

After the ~30-minute update session, I checked back, and the Photos app had reverted to its original capacity. I remain uncertain whether any real space was genuinely freed by disabling the AI.

A third commentator chimed in: Employing AI to alter your photos while simultaneously utilizing it for training purposes. I might say ‘I face this issue too,’ yet I do not.

I have intentionally avoided enabling any ‘AI’ features on my devices, and whenever a new ‘Feature’ emerges, I ensure it is completely disabled.

Steps to Disable Apple Intelligence on iPhone

Modern office space with Apple Intelligence sign on the wall and computer workstations in the foreground.

If you wish to deactivate Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, navigate to the Settings app on your device and select the Apple Intelligence & Siri option.

Subsequently, toggle the option beside Apple Intelligence to the off position. Confirm by selecting “Turn Off Apple Intelligence” in the subsequent pop-up message.

Source link: Uniladtech.com.

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Reported By

Neil Hemmings

I'm Neil Hemmings from Anaheim, CA, with an Associate of Science in Computer Science from Diablo Valley College. As Senior Tech Associate and Content Manager at RS Web Solutions, I write about AI, gadgets, cybersecurity, and apps – sharing hands-on reviews, tutorials, and practical tech insights.
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