Using Apple Intelligence in the Home app will require an iCloud+ plan starting at 2TB, Apple said. Apple shared this detail in its notes for the third beta of macOS Golden Gate released today.
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In iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, the Home app can generate written summaries for motion alerts from HomeKit Secure Video. This feature allows users to get a quick overview of the activity captured by their cameras without having to watch the entire video. Additionally, the app can group footage from different cameras for a comprehensive view of activity and extract notable recordings, and supports natural language search.
The natural language search feature is particularly useful as it allows users to locate specific events or moments with simple phrases, such as “show me the traffic in the entrance last night.”
Apple said at WWDC that some Apple Intelligence will require an iCloud+ plan, but it didn't specify which tier users should opt for. For Home features, users will need the iCloud+ 2TB plan or better. The 2TB plan includes 2TB of iCloud storage and costs $9.99 per month. This plan provides enough space to accommodate not only data from HomeKit Secure Video cameras but also other personal data, such as photos and documents.
Cloud storage for HomeKit Secure Video has always required a paid iCloud plan. The 50GB plan allows for one camera, while the 200GB plan supports up to five. The 2TB plan lets users add an unlimited number of HomeKit Secure Video cameras, and will now add the Apple Intelligent Home feature set. HomeKit video storage doesn’t count against an iCloud+ plan’s storage limit, so the full 2TB is still available for photos and other data.
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This is especially important for users who want to keep a large amount of data in the cloud without worrying about running out of available space.
The integration of Apple Intelligence Home features into the Home app is expected to bring significant changes to the way users interact with their smart devices. These features offer a more integrated and intelligent user experience, allowing users to better utilize the capabilities of their devices. For example, the ability to group footage from different cameras can help analyze home security data faster and more efficiently.
Apple's decision to require the 2TB plan for the new features could be seen as a strategic move to push higher tiers of iCloud+. Despite the extra cost, users who want to take full advantage of the capabilities of their cameras and other smart devices will likely find the investment worth it. The security and convenience offered by Apple's Intelligent Home could be deciding factors in that decision.
See also: Apple Intelligence: Smart editing and new photo presentation capabilities
For more information on what's new in the Home app in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, check out our guide. Users interested in upgrading their experience with Apple's smart devices will find the new features particularly appealing, while organizations that rely on Apple security solutions will benefit from improvements in efficiency and ease of use.
