Apple has introduced another benefit for iCloud+ subscribers with iOS 27, bringing new Apple Intelligence features to compatible HomeKit security cameras. The update allows users to generate video descriptions, search recorded footage using everyday language, and find important events more easily. However, these features require an iCloud+ subscription with at least 2TB of storage, making them exclusive to Apple’s more expensive plans.
iCloud+ Now Includes AI Features for HomeKit Cameras
With iOS 27, Apple Intelligence can analyze HomeKit Secure Video recordings and automatically describe what happened in each clip. This makes reviewing security footage easier, especially for households with cameras monitoring entrances, driveways, and other areas.
According to Apple’s iOS 27 feature documentation, the Home app supports AI-generated video descriptions and natural-language searches.
Don’t miss the best of The Mac Observer
Set us as a preferred source and our Apple reporting ranks higher in your Google Search results and Discover feed — one tap, no account changes.
For example, users can search for phrases such as “person delivering a package” or “car entering the driveway” instead of manually checking recordings.
The Home app can also highlight noteworthy clips, helping users find important activity faster. These improvements build on the new HomeKit camera features in iOS 27, which also include smarter notifications and support for 4K recording on compatible cameras.
Which iCloud+ Plans Support the New Features?
Apple restricts its new camera intelligence features to iCloud+ plans starting at 2TB. The number of cameras eligible for AI processing also depends on the subscription tier.
| iCloud+ Plan | AI-Enabled Cameras | US Monthly Price |
|---|---|---|
| 50GB | Not supported | $0.99 |
| 200GB | Not supported | $2.99 |
| 2TB | Up to 1 | $9.99 |
| 6TB | Up to 2 | $29.99 |
| 12TB | Up to 5 | $59.99 |
These limits apply specifically to the new Apple Intelligence camera features. Existing HomeKit Secure Video recording allowances remain separate.
What Else Do You Need?
Along with an eligible subscription, users need a compatible HomeKit Secure Video camera, an Apple Intelligence-supported iPhone, and a supported home hub such as an Apple TV 4K or HomePod.
Apple processes recordings using a combination of on-device intelligence and Private Cloud Compute, allowing its AI models to generate descriptions and identify relevant footage.
Users can also search HomeKit camera recordings using natural language directly through the Home app.
Meanwhile, iOS 27 gives subscribers on most iCloud+ plans increased daily access to certain Apple Intelligence features, including image generation. Apple has not published detailed usage limits for every subscription tier.
For households already paying for higher iCloud storage, these additions make their existing subscription more useful without requiring a separate AI camera service.
Discussion