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Apple is developing AI-based features while also looking for ways to fund their operation. At the company's recent financial results conference there were interesting comments about the future of Siri AI. Tim Cook admitted that users who make heavy use of the new features may need a higher-tier iCloud+ plan in the future. Although details have not yet been revealed, the direction of the changes is becoming increasingly clear. Apple emphasises that the costs of running artificial intelligence are significant. The company is therefore considering new monetisation models for its services.
Apple is considering linking Siri AI to higher iCloud+ plans
During the question and answer session after the financial results were released, analysts asked Apple about the costs of supporting Siri AI. CEO Tim Cook confirmed the company is working on additional capabilities within iCloud+. He said users who heavily use AI-based features may be offered the option to move to a higher subscription plan. Apple wants to use this to partly cover the costs of the infrastructure needed to run the AI. Cook noted, however, that the company is still analysing what portion of the costs should be covered by Apple and what should fall to users. No information was given about usage limits or timeframes for introducing the changes. The maker also did not disclose how much the new subscription tiers might cost. Statements from the CEO, however, suggest that the current free model for using Siri AI could change in the future. Apple stresses that interest in the new AI features is very high. At the same time the company wants to ensure further development without compromising service quality. For now all details remain in the planning stage. No official decisions have been announced yet.
Apple already has a similar solution in its lineup
Linking AI features to iCloud+ wouldn't be entirely new for Apple. Even now, selected smart features of the Home app are available only to users on the 2 TB iCloud+ plan. That means the company already has experience offering advanced features as part of more expensive subscriptions. So far it's unclear whether a similar model will be used for Siri AI. Apple hasn't announced any usage limits or specific activity thresholds. No rollout schedule for potential changes has been given either. For people already on higher iCloud+ plans, the new rules will likely not be a big issue. Users relying solely on the free features may, however, encounter some restrictions in the future. Everything suggests that the development of artificial intelligence will become increasingly tied to Apple's subscription services. The company plans to remain flexible and monitor how users use the new features. Final decisions are to be made at a later date.
Apple hasn't yet announced paid limits for Siri AI, but Tim Cook's comments suggest that heavy use of the new features may in future require a higher iCloud+ plan. Details remain unknown, but the company is clearly signalling that the development of artificial intelligence will be accompanied by new subscription options.
source: digitaltrends
