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At WWDC 2026, Apple revealed new AI features for the Home app. The company showcased smart search for camera footage, automatic event summaries, and better management of camera monitoring. It did not, however, disclose which iCloud+ plans will get access to these new features. The answer only appeared in the documentation for the latest macOS beta. For many users, that could be a big disappointment.
New AI features only for higher-tier subscriptions
Apple has confirmed that Home AI features will be available only to users with an iCloud+ plan that offers at least 2 TB of storage. That means people on the cheaper 50 GB and 200 GB plans will not get access to the new capabilities. It's a surprising decision, because the 200 GB plan already supports up to five HomeKit Secure Video cameras. Those are precisely the setups that would benefit most from smart search of footage or automatic event summaries. Apple has decided, however, to reserve the AI features for users on the more expensive subscription. To use them, you'll need to pay for a plan that costs $9.99 per month or more. Among the new features are smart camera footage search, automatic people tracking, combining footage from multiple cameras, and higher-quality recording. These are features that use artificial intelligence operating within the Apple Home ecosystem. The company's decision quickly sparked discussion among users.
Users accuse Apple of trying to increase revenue
Many commenters believe that limiting AI features to the 2 TB plan is meant to encourage customers to upgrade to a pricier subscription. Critics point out that users on the 200 GB plan already pay for support of multiple cameras and could use the new features without issue. Apple has not explained the reasons for its decision in detail. It's possible the company wants to offset rising costs associated with developing AI-based services. For now, the new rules apply to system betas and could still change before the official release. It's also unclear whether Apple will expand access to Home AI in the future. At present, everything indicates that the most interesting smart home features will remain reserved for the pricier iCloud+ plans. For some users, this could be another argument against expanding the Apple ecosystem.
New Apple Home AI features will be available only to users on iCloud+ plans with 2 TB or more. Apple's decision drew criticism because even subscribers on the 200 GB plan won't get access to the Home app's smart features.
source: Digital Trends
