Apple Intelligence is taking considerably more storage than Apple’s published figures suggest on some Macs running macOS 27. Users and testers have seen the system allocate more than 20GB—and in one reported case over 30GB—to the on-device AI models, even though Apple lists a maximum of 14GB for many compatible Macs.

The models are downloaded automatically after macOS 27 is installed and the Mac connects to the internet. Although Apple Intelligence features remain optional to use, macOS 27 no longer provides a way to prevent the on-device models from being installed.

How much storage Apple says Apple Intelligence needs

Apple’s support documentation says the newest Apple Intelligence features require up to 14GB of storage on Macs with an M3 chip or later and at least 12GB of unified memory. Other compatible Macs are listed as requiring up to 8GB.

Those requirements do not appear to match every storage reading in macOS 27. An M4 Pro Mac mini was observed assigning 20.67GB to Apple Intelligence, while Ars Technica recorded 22.42GB on an M3 MacBook Air after installing macOS 27.0 beta 7. Both systems qualify for Apple’s more advanced AFM 3 Core Advanced on-device model.

Older Macs also show higher-than-expected usage

The larger allocations are not limited to Macs eligible for the most advanced model. Ars Technica recorded roughly 14GB on an M1 MacBook Air and a MacBook Neo, despite Apple placing those systems in the category with an advertised requirement of up to 8GB.

Additional user reports point to similarly high figures. A screenshot posted to Reddit showed Apple Intelligence using 30.16GB on a Mac running the macOS 27 release candidate. Another report cited 24.35GB on a MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro chip.

It is not clear whether Apple’s “up to 14GB” figure measures the same data shown under the Apple Intelligence storage category in System Settings. Apple’s support document does not explain the discrepancy or identify why storage use varies between Macs. Comparable storage increases have not been observed on iPhones and iPads running the corresponding operating system releases.

How to check Apple Intelligence storage on a Mac

Mac users can see their own allocation by opening System Settings, selecting General, then Storage. Clicking the information button beside macOS displays the storage categories, including Apple Intelligence where applicable.

The issue is particularly relevant for Macs with smaller internal drives. Because macOS 27 downloads the models regardless of whether users plan to use Apple Intelligence, the storage is effectively reserved as part of the operating system installation. Apple has not indicated in the available support information whether future updates will reduce the allocation or provide a way to remove the models.