After Google, Apple may quietly turn iCloud+ into a tiered AI subscription
iOS 27 confirms that higher iCloud+ storage tiers now unlock expanded access to Apple Intelligence features.
In the latest iOS 27 beta, Apple has hinted at a significant shift in their iCloud+ service - a tiered model offering varying levels of access to Apple Intelligence features. Tech journalist Stephen Robles noticed that the Home app in the beta version now displays how many HomeKit Secure Video cameras are eligible for AI-generated video summaries based on the specific iCloud+ tier chosen by the user.
With 8TB of combined storage, Robles could access video summaries for up to 15 cameras, suggesting that more storage provides higher camera caps.
The beta also showcased a new prompt suggesting users could upgrade their iCloud+ plan for more Apple Intelligence features. Apple's tiering appears to extend beyond camera access, with select iCloud+ plans offering increased daily usage limits for other Apple Intelligence features. The company mentioned higher image generation capabilities in the Image Playground app, though exact per-tier caps have not been disclosed yet.
Apple's decision to limit these features to paid iCloud tiers seems to be based on the high computing costs associated with running such advanced AI models. The company plans to share final details upon the public release of iOS 27. This development comes weeks after Apple increased iCloud+ prices by up to 55% across eight countries, marking a shift from cloud storage to a more AI-focused service.
This move by Apple echoes Google's long-standing practice of offering tiered access to their AI features. Meanwhile, Anthropic has also released a useful update for their Claude AI assistant, allowing it to run in the background on Macs without taking over the screen. However, a study by Product Rise found that AI-powered search experiences tend to show higher prices compared to traditional search results.
For instance, AI Mode on Google showed an average price that was 21.6% higher than traditional Google Search. This discrepancy has raised concerns about transparency and price manipulation.
Written by urgent.news from Digital Trends's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
