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Apple Launches $50 Intelligence Usage Packs for Logic Pro
Confirmed
In Short: According to 9to5Mac, the new 'Intelligence Usage Pack' allows users to buy more usage of AI features within Logic Pro, a move that contrasts with the subscription model common among other AI services.
Apple has introduced a $50 one-time purchase for expanded access to AI features in Logic Pro, marking the company's first step towards charging for AI functionalities.
Until now, all Apple Intelligence features were available free on Apple devices, but the company is now implementing a pay-for-usage model, at least initially, for expanded access.
The Usage Packs can only be used by the Apple Account that purchased them, and any unused additional usage will roll over from month to month but will expire 12 months after purchase.
Apple's move to charge for AI features is part of a broader strategy to manage expenses while expanding investments in artificial intelligence, as seen with Microsoft's recent voluntary buyouts for approximately 60,000 employees.
Apple's China Newsroom announced that the first wave of AI features, including live translation, photo cleanup, and email summaries, will be available on supported iPhones in China.
These features will initially be powered by Alibaba's Qwen for certain requests, while other functionalities will run on generative models built by Apple.
The Verge noted that the setup mirrors the ChatGPT integration Apple added in other markets in 2024, indicating a strategic approach to AI deployment.
Apple's decision to charge for AI features in Logic Pro is likely to be extended to other server-based AI features like Siri AI, Image Playground, and Photos editing tools in the future.
The introduction of these packs reflects Apple's ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its products, as seen with the S11 chip powering several new Audio Intelligence features such as Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, Siri Recap, and faster Shazam.
Apple's approach to AI pricing and usage limits is part of a larger industry trend, with Microsoft also emphasizing the need for safety regulations and emergency brakes for AI systems.
What this adds
Apple's move to charge for AI features in Logic Pro is a significant shift from its previous free-access model.
Apple's strategy to manage expenses while investing in AI is similar to Microsoft's approach, which includes voluntary buyouts and increased AI investments.
The introduction of AI features in China marks a strategic expansion of Apple's AI offerings in a key market.
Background
The S11 chip powers several new Audio Intelligence features such as Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, Siri Recap, and faster Shazam.
The Verge reported that Apple is launching an iOS 27.3 beta next week that will bring some of the initial Apple Intelligence features to the Chinese market.
What's confirmed
- Apple has introduced a $50 one-time purchase for expanded access to AI features in Logic Pro, marking the company's first step towards charging for AI functionalities.
- Until now, all Apple Intelligence features were available free on Apple devices, but the company is now implementing a pay-for-usage model, at least initially, for expanded access.
- The Usage Packs can only be used by the Apple Account that purchased them, and any unused additional usage will roll over from month to month but will expire 12 months after purchase.
- Apple's move to charge for AI features is part of a broader strategy to manage expenses while expanding investments in artificial intelligence, as seen with Microsoft's recent voluntary buyouts for approximately 60,000 employees.
- Apple's China Newsroom announced that the first wave of AI features, including live translation, photo cleanup, and email summaries, will be available on supported iPhones in China.
- These features will initially be powered by Alibaba's Qwen for certain requests, while other functionalities will run on generative models built by Apple.
- The Verge noted that the setup mirrors the ChatGPT integration Apple added in other markets in 2024, indicating a strategic approach to AI deployment.
- Apple's decision to charge for AI features in Logic Pro is likely to be extended to other server-based AI features like Siri AI, Image Playground, and Photos editing tools in the future.
- The introduction of these packs reflects Apple's ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its products, as seen with the S11 chip powering several new Audio Intelligence features such as Sound Recognition, Live Rewind, Siri Recap, and faster Shazam.
- Apple's approach to AI pricing and usage limits is part of a larger industry trend, with Microsoft also emphasizing the need for safety regulations and emergency brakes for AI systems.
What's still developing
- With Logic Pro’s latest update, if you select Logic Pro from the menu bar, then ‘Intelligence Features’ and ‘Show Usage,’ there’s an option to ‘Buy More Usage.’ The only option is a $49.99 one-time purchase of an ‘intelligence usage pack.’ Unlike most other AI offerings, which depend on subscriptions, Apple is (at least initially) selling expanded AI access through these $50 one-time purchases.
- Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news: Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more.
- Full terms and conditions for AI usage packs are available here.
- For now, these usage packs are limited to Creator Studio apps.
- Apple Intelligence outside Creator Studio is heading the same way.
- Subscribers who reach the monthly limit on Creator Studio’s AI features can now buy a one-time intelligence usage pack.
- After publishing a support article in early September outlining usage limits for some Apple Intelligence features, the company has updated Logic Pro with an option to “Buy More Usage” for a one-time purchase price of $49.99, as spotted by 9to5Mac.
- Apple’s China Newsroom release carries an October 31 date.
- Apple’s latest news offers something easier to picture: less time wrestling with an email, searching for a photo, or struggling through a conversation in another language.
- Jensen Huang was not officially warned that he might be the target of an espionage operation and is presented by the NYT as a possible target, not as a knowing collaborator with Chinese intelligence services.
- During The Age of Intelligence, humanoid robots from Chinese robotics company Unitree entered the Galleria to Gigi D’Agostino’s L’Amour Toujours.
- Apple is requiring a $9.99 iCloud + plan to use the iOS 27 Apple Intelligence Home app features with a single HomeKit camera, and iPhone users aren't happy about it. iOS 27 includes text-based descriptions for motion alerts, a feature that uses Apple Intelligence.
Sources
- 9to5Maclink
- AndroidPurelink
- The Vergelink
- Bigcountrynewsconnectionlink
- Kingylink
- Informatlink
- Kttslink
- Designscenelink
- Newsradioklbjlink
- MacRumorslink
- Martincidlink
- Qzlink
- AFPlink
- WarpBeat — background on Apple Unveils Audio Intelligence Features for Apple Watch Ultra 4 link
- WarpBeat — background on Apple to Launch iOS 27.3 Beta with Apple Intelligence in China link