Apple's iOS 27 update brings AI-generated video summaries to HomeKit security cameras, grouping related clips across multiple cameras and allowing natural-language searches. The feature is a notable step in Apple's push to embed AI into the smart home, but it comes with a significant catch: it requires much more expensive iCloud+ storage than standard HomeKit Secure Video plans.
According to the report, a single AI-enabled camera needs Apple's 2 TB iCloud+ plan at $9.99 per month. Adding a second camera forces an upgrade to the 6 TB plan at $29.99 per month, and setups with three to five cameras require 12 TB at $59.99 per month. That means a fully deployed system could add more than $700 per year to household costs, on top of any existing iCloud storage the family already pays for.
The feature is optional, and users can turn it on for only select cameras—say, a front porch cam tracking deliveries—while leaving others off. Still, the pricing structure is notable for a company that has historically positioned HomeKit Secure Video as a relatively affordable, privacy-focused option. Apple also notes that supported cameras and iCloud+ features "may change over time," leaving room for future price or plan adjustments. As with many AI subscription features, the long-term cost is uncertain, but the upfront barrier is clear.