iOS 27 adds AI camera features to iCloud+ on 2TB plans and above

What Apple has added

Apple has quietly expanded iCloud+ beyond storage with a new perk in iOS 27. According to 9to5 Mac, subscribers on the larger iCloud+ plans now get Apple Intelligence features for compatible HomeKit cameras.

The main capability is automatic video descriptions. With Apple Intelligence in the Home app, the system generates a written summary of what happens in clips recorded by compatible home cameras. Those descriptions make it easier to browse recordings at a glance and to search a camera's recent history using natural language, for example by typing a plain description of what you are looking for.

Which plans include the feature

The AI camera features are limited to the three highest iCloud+ tiers: 2TB, 6TB and 12TB. Apple charges $9.99, $29.99 and $59.99 per month for these plans respectively.

The reason for the restriction is technical. Apple Intelligence for cameras relies on Private Cloud Compute, Apple's cloud system for running AI requests, so the company reserves the feature for paying customers on high-storage plans. 9to5 Mac notes that most people are unlikely to subscribe purely for this perk, but those who already need the storage get the camera features included.

Hardware requirements

A large storage plan alone is not enough. The camera must support HomeKit Secure Video, Apple's standard for encrypted camera recordings in iCloud.

Apple's requirements also include a home hub, such as an Apple TV 4K, a HomePod or a HomeView, and an iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence. Without those devices, the AI features will not work even on an eligible plan.

Why it matters

iCloud+ has long been primarily a storage subscription, but Apple has been adding extras such as privacy features over time. The addition of AI camera tools continues that pattern and gives heavy storage users a new reason to stay on higher tiers.

For households with several cameras, natural language search over recordings could save time when reviewing footage. For everyone else, the feature highlights how Apple is tying its newest AI capabilities to paid subscriptions and specific hardware.