Apple is bringing Apple Intelligence features to compatible home security cameras through the Home app on iOS 27. The update adds automatic descriptions for recorded events, natural-language search and tools for grouping related footage, while access to the main video-analysis features is tied to an iCloud+ subscription of at least 2TB.
The capability applies to cameras using HomeKit Secure Video. Rather than requiring users to review recordings manually, the Home app can create short summaries of activity, including a person approaching a door, a package delivery or movement involving animals and vehicles. Users can then search recordings with everyday phrases such as “package delivery yesterday” or “someone at the front door.”
Subscription tiers determine camera coverage
Apple’s plan structure makes the storage subscription part of the camera feature set. The 2TB plan supports Apple’s AI tools on one camera, while higher-capacity plans increase the number of cameras covered. Apple lists the plans and monthly U.S. prices as follows:
| iCloud+ plan | Monthly price in the U.S. | Cameras covered by AI features |
|---|---|---|
| 2TB | $9.99 | Up to one |
| 6TB | $29.99 | Up to two |
| 12TB | $59.99 | Up to five |
The 50GB and 200GB iCloud+ plans continue to support basic HomeKit Secure Video functionality, but they do not include AI-generated descriptions or the related search tools. For integrators, that distinction belongs in the system handoff: a camera may be compatible with HomeKit Secure Video while the customer’s selected storage tier determines whether the newer review and search features are available.
More tools for reviewing multi-camera events
The Home app will place “noteworthy clips” at the top of its search page and can connect footage from multiple cameras when recordings relate to the same event. Apple has also added grouping for related notifications, intended to reduce repeated alerts from activity captured across a property. These functions address the organization of recorded material in addition to the camera feeds themselves.
Apple also says compatible HomeKit Secure Video cameras can support video at up to 4K, compared with the previous 1080p limit. The higher-resolution footage is intended to provide the material used by the AI features, although the capability still depends on camera compatibility and the applicable iCloud+ plan.
Separate requirement for notification grouping
Apple distinguishes notification grouping from the paid AI video functions. Its Reduce Notifications feature does not require the 2TB HomeKit Secure Video summary quota. It requires an Apple Intelligence-capable device and a home hub instead. Apple identifies Private Cloud Compute and Apple Intelligence as the technologies supporting these capabilities, making the service plan, compatible hardware and hub requirements separate parts of the installation conversation.
