The latest operating system updates, including iOS, macOS, and iPadOS, have introduced AI-powered features for the Home app that elevate the experience of using HomeKit Secure Video cameras.
The new AI features allow users to combine activity from multiple cameras into a single action, providing a more comprehensive view of events captured by multiple devices. This includes the ability to analyze camera activity and provide plain language descriptions of what's happening.
Additionally, the update allows HomeKit Secure Video cameras to record up to 4K resolution, a significant upgrade from the previous 1080p limit. This feature is now available to users with a 2TB iCloud+ subscription, which is required to enable the AI features.
It's worth noting that users have always needed an iCloud+ subscription to use HomeKit Secure Video, with the base 50GB plan ($0.99 per month) allowing for a single camera, and the 2TB plan ($9.99 per month) enabling an unlimited number of cameras.
The 2TB plan is also required to enable Apple Intelligence features, which combine multiple similar notifications into a single updating notification, helping to reduce Home notification spam for users with multiple devices.
Apple's move to require a paid subscription for AI features is in line with competitors, with nearly all home security cameras with AI features requiring a paid monthly subscription, typically around $10 a month.
iCloud+ storage is also included with Apple One plans, offering varying levels of storage depending on the plan chosen. The Individual plan provides 50GB, the Family plan offers 200GB, and the Premier plan comes with 2TB of storage.
