Some iPhone owners say Apple Intelligence is using about 15GB of storage after updating to iOS 27. Apple says the feature needs up to 14GB on some models and up to 8GB on others, and that usage can temporarily go higher during an update.
That gap matters if your iPhone is short on space. A large number right after an update is not proof that your phone will keep using that much, and the figure depends on the model.
What users are reporting
GSMArena reported on Nov. 1 that users saw around 15GB attributed to Apple Intelligence after updating to iOS 27. The reports range from about 9GB to 16GB. Some 128GB iPhone 16 units reportedly show about 30% of storage used by iOS and Apple Intelligence.
GSMArena also says the space is taken even in regions where Apple Intelligence is not offered, such as the EU. These are user accounts, not a measurement across every iPhone running iOS 27.
What Apple says iPhones need
Apple’s support page, published Oct. 22, lists two storage tiers for iPhone. Apple adds that usage “may temporarily exceed” these figures during and shortly after a software update, as new models download and older ones are removed.
| iPhone models | Apple’s stated Apple Intelligence storage |
|---|---|
| iPhone Duo, iPhone 17 Pro models and later, iPhone Air | Up to 14GB |
| Other Apple Intelligence iPhones | Up to 8GB |
Apple lists the same two tiers for iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro, and up to 1.5GB for Apple Watch. These are capacity figures for supported features. They are not a promise that Settings will show exactly 8GB or 14GB.
How to check your iPhone storage
Open Settings, tap General, then iPhone Storage. Check the total used, the space available and the categories listed for your phone. Treat any Apple Intelligence or system figure as a snapshot, not as a fixed amount.
If you just updated, give the phone time to finish background work, then check again. Apple does not give a standard waiting period or say how much space a phone will recover.
Does turning Apple Intelligence off free the space?
Not for the users GSMArena cites. It reports that disabling Apple Intelligence or Siri did not free the space.
Reddit users found that setting Siri to an unsupported English variant, such as South African English, cut the footprint to roughly 100MB, according to GSMArena. The site confirmed the effect after a reboot but says it does not fully fix the problem. TechPipino has not tested this.
There is a trade-off. Apple says changing the Siri language can make Apple Intelligence unavailable until the new language fully downloads, and it must match the device language. Do not change it expecting a guaranteed saving.
Frequently asked questions
How much storage does Apple Intelligence need on iPhone?
Apple lists up to 14GB for iPhone Duo, iPhone 17 Pro models and later, and iPhone Air. Other Apple Intelligence iPhones are listed at up to 8GB. Usage can temporarily exceed these figures during updates.
Will the storage come back on its own?
Apple says the extra use can happen during and shortly after an update as models are swapped. It does not say how long that takes or how much space you will get back.
Should I change my Siri language to save space?
Users report it can shrink the footprint, but it is unofficial and can make Apple Intelligence unavailable. Check your storage breakdown first and contact Apple Support if the figure stays unusually high.
Why it matters
Storage is tight on 128GB iPhones, and Apple Intelligence adds a large fixed cost. Before you delete apps or change settings, compare your model’s requirement with the actual breakdown. Apple has not commented on the user reports, and the numbers may change as updates arrive.
Sources: Apple Support, Apple Intelligence requirements (Oct. 22, 2026); GSMArena (Nov. 1, 2026).
