Overview
- Apple released iOS 27 and updated its support documentation on Monday to require specific iCloud+ tiers for Apple Intelligence video summaries, mapping 2TB to one camera, 6TB to two cameras, and 12TB to up to five cameras.
- The Apple Intelligence features provide text summaries, search and stitched clips for HomeKit Secure Video recordings but work only with HomeKit Secure Video–compatible cameras and must be turned on per camera by users.
- Recordings from HomeKit cameras do not count toward a user’s iCloud storage quota, but access to Apple’s AI summaries is tied to the higher iCloud+ tiers rather than the older camera-count rules for basic HomeKit Secure Video.
- Many users have complained on forums about the steep incremental cost to cover multiple cameras, and Apple’s support page warns that supported camera counts and usage limits could change and that expanded access may carry fees.
- The pricing move may shift choices for homeowners and buyers of smart cameras because competitors offer similar AI features at lower monthly prices and broader camera coverage, so watch for how Apple refines tiers, compatible camera lists and future Apple Intelligence pricing.