Apple has introduced new Apple Intelligence features for HomeKit Secure Video with the release of iOS 27, enabling AI-generated text descriptions and searchable databases for security camera footage. While these tools allow users to receive summaries of activity involving people, pets, and packages, accessing them requires specific, high-priced tiers of Apple's iCloud+ subscription service.
The pricing structure for these AI capabilities is significantly more restrictive than standard HomeKit Secure Video storage. A 2TB iCloud+ plan, which costs $9.99 per month, now only supports AI summaries for a single camera. Users who wish to extend these features to two cameras must upgrade to the 6TB plan priced at $29.99 per month, while support for up to five cameras requires the 12TB plan at $59.99 per month.
Even subscribers to the Apple One Premier bundle, which includes 2TB of iCloud+ storage, are limited to using these AI features on only one camera. Apple has not provided an option for users to enable these intelligence features across an unlimited number of cameras, a departure from the existing HomeKit Secure Video model that allows unlimited camera support on the 2TB plan for standard recording.
The new requirements have drawn criticism from users on platforms like Reddit and MacRumors, who noted that these limitations contrast with the broader camera support available during the iOS 27 beta phase. Many users expressed frustration that their existing high-tier subscriptions do not grant access to the new AI tools for all their connected devices.
While the new software update also brings performance improvements and support for 4K video resolution to HomeKit, the cost of the AI integration has been highlighted as a major point of contention. Industry observers have noted that competing services from companies like Amazon and Google offer similar AI-powered camera features at lower monthly price points.
Apple has indicated that these supported camera counts and plan features are subject to change. The company is reportedly exploring further expansion into the smart home market, with rumors suggesting the development of proprietary home security cameras and monitoring services that may also rely on these subscription-based AI features.