iCloud+ becomes an indirect AI subscription
You pay 20 euros or more for modern chatbots with increased usage. Apple isn't introducing this but is using a trick with iOS 27 & Co.
iCloud logo.
(Image: Apple)
What does Siri AI cost? Anyone who followed Apple's WWDC keynote this week might initially have assumed: nothing extra. “They will be available for free with our latest software releases,” said software chief Craig Federighi in a video segment. But then he added a “but”: there will be usage limits for certain features. However, these can be “skipped” under certain circumstances. Apple is using an already known strategy that revolves around the iCloud+ storage service.
“Powerful server models” cost
As examples of limits, Apple mentioned, among other things, image generation, which has improved thanks to the new Image Playground (and Google support). However, they probably apply equally to the enhancement of image content, possibly the Clean-Up function for deleting image content, as well as the new perspective change Spatial Reframing, which is quite interesting. So far, Apple has not provided specific details on how many images users can generate by default. However, Federighi spoke of “daily limits,” which reset after 24 hours. He cited the use of “powerful server models” as the reason for the restrictions.
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However, those who reach the limit can find a solution: “Extended access is available with most iCloud+ subscriptions,” said the software chief. This is reminiscent of other features that Apple has added to iCloud+ – or rather, uses it to sell more (or more expensive) subscriptions. “Most iCloud+ subscriptions” likely means that the cheapest option for 99 cents a month (providing 50 GB of storage) is probably not included.
Reminders of HomeKit Secure Video
Apple has handled this similarly before: The secure video service for Apple Home, HomeKit Secure Video, only works with a single camera with the cheapest subscription; the larger packages (€2.99 per month for 200 GB, €9.99 per month for 2 TB) support five or even an unlimited number of recording sources.
Another new feature exclusively for iCloud+ subscribers is the use of Apple Intelligence within HomeKit Secure Video. With “compatible cameras” (which ones remained unclear at first), it should be possible to summarize in writing what is being seen. Apple is likely to provide more specific details on usage limits in the coming weeks or months. iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and the other new systems are expected in the fall.
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