Apple brings AI video summaries to HomeKit cameras with iOS 27
The Apple Intelligence feature describes, groups and searches security footage, but requires the highest iCloud+ tiers.
Apple is rolling out Apple Intelligence video summaries for HomeKit security cameras with the release of iOS 27, according to Engadget. The feature generates descriptions of clips captured by home security cameras, groups related clips across multiple cameras and lets users search recordings with natural language queries.
Using it requires an Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, nominally iPhone 15 Pro or later, plus at least a 2nd generation HomePod, HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K running the latest operating system.
Storage is the bigger constraint. A single camera needs the 2 TB iCloud+ plan at $9.99 per month, while a second camera pushes users to the 6 TB tier at $29.99 per month. Supporting three to five cameras requires 12 TB of iCloud storage at $59.99 per month. That cloud cost comes on top of a family's existing iCloud storage plan.
Before the AI update, users could connect a network of cameras using 50 GB, 200 GB and 2 TB iCloud+ plans.
Apple notes on its Apple Intelligence support page that supported cameras and iCloud+ features may change over time.
Quick answers
What do I need to use Apple Intelligence video summaries for HomeKit cameras?
An Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone, nominally iPhone 15 Pro or later, and at least a 2nd generation HomePod, HomePod Mini or Apple TV 4K running the latest operating system.
How much does the iCloud+ storage cost for the camera feature?
A single camera requires the 2 TB iCloud+ plan at $9.99 per month, a second camera requires 6 TB at $29.99 per month, and three to five cameras require 12 TB at $59.99 per month, in addition to an existing iCloud storage plan.