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Apple Home’s New Security Camera Features Cost Up to $60 a Month
Confirmed
In Short: Apple is requiring a $9.99 iCloud + plan to use the iOS 27 Apple Intelligence Home app features with a single HomeKit camera, leading to user dissatisfaction.
Apple is requiring a $9.99 iCloud + plan to use the iOS 27 Apple Intelligence Home app features with a single HomeKit camera, according to reports. This move has led to user dissatisfaction, as highlighted by a Reddit post and MacRumors coverage.
The cost escalates significantly for those wanting to use multiple cameras. A 2TB iCloud+ plan priced at $9.99 per month will only add AI summaries to a single camera, while a 6TB plan at $29.99 per month is needed for two cameras, and a 12TB plan at $59.99 per month is required for up to five cameras, according to MacRumors.
CNET, in a recent update, noted that a monthly fee is generally required to fully utilize security cameras, and recommended the Arlo Pro 6 camera, which offers a range of features and is user-friendly for first-time buyers. The article also highlighted the variety of available devices, from high-end models with advanced features to more affordable options.
In-car audio setups have been identified as a possible cause for issues with Google Home devices, but similar behavior is now surfacing on some Google Home devices, according to Android Authority. This adds to the growing concerns about the cost and functionality of smart home devices.
What's confirmed
- Apple is requiring a $9.99 iCloud + plan to use the iOS 27 Apple Intelligence Home app features with a single HomeKit camera, according to reports. This move has led to user dissatisfaction, as highlighted by a Reddit post and MacRumors coverage.
- The cost escalates significantly for those wanting to use multiple cameras. A 2TB iCloud+ plan priced at $9.99 per month will only add AI summaries to a single camera, while a 6TB plan at $29.99 per month is needed for two cameras, and a 12TB plan at $59.99 per month is required for up to five cameras, according to MacRumors.
- CNET, in a recent update, noted that a monthly fee is generally required to fully utilize security cameras, and recommended the Arlo Pro 6 camera, which offers a range of features and is user-friendly for first-time buyers. The article also highlighted the variety of available devices, from high-end models with advanced features to more affordable options.
- In-car audio setups have been identified as a possible cause for issues with Google Home devices, but similar behavior is now surfacing on some Google Home devices, according to Android Authority. This adds to the growing concerns about the cost and functionality of smart home devices.
What's still developing
- The issue surfaced on Reddit after a Google Home user said Gemini Live had become unusable.
- I've tested security cameras from Arlo, Nest, Ring, Blink and many more.
- The range of available devices has never been better, from high-end models with 4K resolution and powerful AI features to capable cams under $30 with zero subscription fees.
- I’ve spent years testing the latest cameras, including new tech features from the past year, like video descriptions and even asking a voice assistant questions about what your camera has seen.
- I recommend the Arlo Pro 6 camera, a 2025 release packed with intelligent features, high resolution, a spotlight and lots more.
- It also benefits from Arlo’s homeowner-friendly app, if it’s your first security cam, and you can put it nearly anywhere to watch your porch, driveway, living room, entryway and more.
- During the beta, we learned that a 2TB iCloud+ plan or higher would be needed to use video summaries, but at the time, Apple didn't say how many cameras would be supported.
- Apple One Premier subscribers are limited to a single camera since the bundle includes 2TB of iCloud+ storage.