Apple may sell iCloud+ upgrades for heavy AI use

Apple plans to let heavy users pay for higher limits on its AI features, with the upgrades potentially sold through iCloud+. CEO Tim Cook outlined the approach during Apple’s earnings call for the third fiscal quarter of 2026, while stressing that the company has not finalized its pricing or cost model.

“We do believe there will be people that want to use it a lot and we will have some kind of upgrade possibilities on iCloud+ where people can buy up the stack on iCloud+. We’ll see how the pickup for that is.”

Apple said at WWDC that new features such as Image Playground would have daily usage limits. Users with iCloud+ plans would receive increased access, and Cook’s comments suggest Apple may also offer add-ons dedicated specifically to AI usage rather than limiting upgrades to storage tiers.

The company has not said how much those add-ons might cost, or whether they would be bundled with particular iCloud+ plans. Apple could reveal more when iOS 27 launches in September.

Some increased access is already planned at no additional cost for customers who pay for iCloud+ storage beyond Apple’s free 5GB tier. On iOS 27, eligible plans will include higher daily limits for certain Apple Intelligence features, including image generation in the redesigned Image Playground app. The source also says HomeKit Secure Video cameras will receive generated video-related capabilities.

Features such as Siri AI are expected to remain free to use. Cook’s remarks leave open how Apple will distinguish those generally available features from higher-volume AI usage that could require an additional payment.

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