From Engadget · Alec Hively · · 2m
Apple's AI camera summaries demand steep iCloud+ bills
Apple Intelligence features for HomeKit security cameras require expensive new iCloud+ plans, costing up to $59.99 per month for a full five-camera setup.
In brief
Apple Intelligence features for HomeKit security cameras require expensive new iCloud+ plans, costing up to $59.99 per month for a full five-camera setup. Apple's new AI video summaries for HomeKit security cameras require costly iCloud+ subscriptions, adding up to seven hundred dollars yearly per household beyond…
Apple brings AI to home security
With iOS twenty seven, Apple is adding Apple Intelligence to HomeKit security cameras. The new video summary feature generates descriptions of footage from your home security system.
How the summaries work
The feature groups related clips across multiple cameras to show a complete picture of events. You can search recordings using natural language and group similar videos to reduce notifications.
Hardware requirements are strict
You need at least a second generation HomePod, HomePod Mini or Apple TV four K running the latest operating system. You also need an Apple Intelligence enabled iPhone, nominally the iPhone fifteen Pro or later.
The real barrier is price
The biggest obstacle is cloud storage cost, which could reach up to sixty dollars per month depending on your number of cameras. This is in addition to your family's existing iCloud storage plan.
“could cost you up to $60 per month, depending on your number of cameras”
Pricing scales with camera count
One camera requires Apple's two terabyte iCloud plus plan at nine ninety nine monthly.Two cameras need the six terabyte plan at twenty nine ninety nine per month.
Annual costs add up quickly
Operating Apple Intelligence enabled cameras across your home could cost a whopping fifty nine ninety nine a month, meaning you may add more than seven hundred dollars to your yearly household costs.
“could cost a whopping $59.99 a month, meaning you may add more than $700 to your yearly household costs”
You can use it selectively
You do not need to enable AI summaries on all cameras. You might want the feature for your front porch to track deliveries but not for your back window. Selective deployment may help reduce costs.
Prices may not stay stable
Apple notes that supported cameras and iCloud plus features may change over time. Given the volatile pricing of AI laden subscriptions, it is wise to view these price structures with skepticism.
“may change over time”
The feature remains optional
You will not be automatically registered into a costly subscription if you do not plan to use the feature. For now, opting in is your choice.
The main idea
Apple's new AI video summaries for HomeKit security cameras require costly iCloud+ subscriptions, adding up to seven hundred dollars yearly per household beyond existing storage plans.
