This pricing approach mirrors a broader tech trend of tying AI features to subscription tiers, similar to moves by other players.

Apple is adding AI-powered Home app features in iOS 27 that require an iCloud+ 2TB plan or higher, priced at $9.99 per month.

These features will roll out this fall across iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS Golden Gate, currently in developer beta.

The 2TB plan ($9.99/month) unlocks unlimited cameras, while the 200GB plan ($2.99/month) covers up to five cameras.

Upgrading from 200GB to 2TB represents a $7/month jump to access unlimited cameras and AI features.

AI-powered enhancements for HomeKit Secure Video will arrive with iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, tvOS 27, and updated HomePod software this autumn.

4K support for HSV remains uncertain and may require firmware updates or new 4K-certified cameras.

context from broader AI device coverage is noted, including in-house chips, Beatbot AI pool cleaners, and SwitchBot AI cameras, illustrating a wider AI ecosystem.

With the 2TB plan, there is no limit on HomeKit cameras, expanding beyond the five-camera cap of the 200GB tier.

The updates are positioned to deliver practical value by enabling grouping and search to save time for users with multiple cameras and ongoing notifications.

New features include motion alert summaries, camera grouping, and natural language search for HomeKit cameras.

The 200GB tier, supporting up to five cameras, is criticized as excluding Home AI features and framed as a cash grab to offset AI costs.