Apple includes intelligence features that analyze usage patterns and gather personal data on every device. These tools suggest apps, contacts, and shortcuts that might not align with your privacy preferences. You have the power to turn off these predictive elements and safeguard your data. This guide explains how to disable Apple intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac for total control.
Adjust Siri and Search on iPhone or iPad
Unlock your iPhone or iPad and open the Settings app by tapping the gear icon. Scroll down and choose Siri & Search, where you see Listen for ‘Hey Siri’ and Press Side Button for Siri. Flip those switches to off if you want to stop Siri from activating on command. You also deactivate Suggestions on Lock Screen and Suggestions in Search for fewer intrusive prompts. Apple built these suggestions to simplify tasks, but you decide if they suit your needs and disable Apple Intelligence.

Limit Analytics for Increased Privacy
Return to the main Settings screen and tap Privacy & Security, then select Analytics & Improvements. Disable Share iPhone Analytics and Improve Siri & Dictation to prevent Apple from examining your usage habits. Your device still performs normally, but it stops submitting comprehensive activity logs to Apple’s servers.
Deactivate Siri and Limit Spotlight on Mac
Open System Settings on your Mac and click Siri & Spotlight in the sidebar. Uncheck Enable Ask Siri to prevent voice activation, and remove the icon by toggling Show Siri in menu bar. Scroll down to manage Spotlight preferences and uncheck categories that feed Apple’s predictive algorithms. This change reduces how much personal information your Mac uses to suggest contacts or files.

Block Mac Analytics Sharing
Go back to System Settings and choose Privacy & Security, then locate Analytics & Improvements. Turn off Share Mac Analytics and Share with App Developers to stop Apple from reviewing your system logs. You also block any crash data or performance metrics that third parties might collect behind the scenes.
Step Five: Fine-Tune Location and Personalized Ads
While you’re in Privacy & Security, review Location Services to see which apps track your whereabouts. Toggle off location access for apps you don’t trust or those that request unnecessary permissions. Then check Apple Advertising under Privacy & Security to disable Personalized Ads for extra anonymity.
Your device may issue a warning about losing certain conveniences when you disable these settings. You still launch apps, search your device, and use other basic features without Apple’s intelligence suite. Keep in mind that turning off predictive functions may slow some workflows, especially if you rely on Siri. However, you stay in command of your information and reduce how much data Apple collects daily.
Restart your iPhone, iPad, or Mac after making these changes to ensure everything updates properly. You can always revisit certain settings to restore Siri or reactive suggestions if you change your mind. Check for software updates periodically, because Apple might add new data-harvesting features or shift existing options. Stay aware of each new toggle or permission prompt, and decide whether it benefits your user experience. You hold ultimate responsibility for your digital footprint, so never let convenience overshadow privacy. Keep these steps handy whenever you upgrade devices or help friends preserve their own data.