Apple expands iCloud+ with HomeKit video upgrades, custom email limits and AI allowances

Apple has expanded the feature set included in its iCloud+ subscription service, introducing upgrades to HomeKit Secure Video, higher limits for custom email domains and increased allowances for artificial intelligence features. According to a report by 9to5Mac, these additions build upon existing benefits such as Hide My Email and iCloud Private Relay, aiming to increase the value proposition for subscribers beyond simple storage expansion.

The most significant technical update involves HomeKit Secure Video, which receives several enhancements ahead of new hardware launches. iOS 27 introduces support for 4K video resolution, allowing for higher fidelity recording. The update also adds generated video descriptions, improved clip searching capabilities and the ability to flag noteworthy clips. These features aim to make video management more efficient for users relying on Apple’s ecosystem for home security monitoring.

Context and Background

Apple has also adjusted the capabilities surrounding custom email domains for iCloud+ subscribers. Previously, users were restricted to creating only three personalized email addresses for each domain they owned. The new policy allows subscribers to create up to 10 personalized addresses per domain. This change is particularly relevant for small business owners or families who wish to maintain professional or organized communication channels using their own domain names without incurring additional costs.

In a major geographic expansion, Apple has bundled Apple TV and Arcade services with iCloud+ subscriptions in more than 100 countries. This benefit does not apply to users in the United States. For subscribers in supported territories, this addition removes the need for separate subscriptions to these entertainment services, making the iCloud+ tier a more comprehensive package for international users who consume media through Apple’s platforms.

Who is affected

The rollout of higher AI usage limits targets select iCloud+ plans within iOS 27. While specific details regarding the exact limits remain unclear, Apple stated that these plans would include increased allowances for AI-driven features. Affected services include Siri AI, new photo editing tools and Image Playground. Currently, there is no evidence that Apple has restricted access to these features, but the announcement suggests future caps may be tied to subscription tiers.

These updates apply to existing iCloud+ subscribers and new sign-ups. The HomeKit improvements require iOS 27 to function, meaning users must update their devices to access 4K support and new video search tools. The email and entertainment benefits are available immediately to qualifying subscribers in supported regions, with the entertainment bundle explicitly excluding the US market.

What should you do?

Users should verify their current iOS version to ensure compatibility with the new HomeKit Secure Video features. Small business owners should review their custom email domain settings to utilize the increased address limit. International subscribers should check their account benefits to confirm the inclusion of Apple TV and Arcade.

What to do and how to stay safe: Apple

• Update iOS devices to version 27 to access new HomeKit Secure Video features like 4K support and clip searching.
• Review iCloud+ settings to configure additional custom email addresses if you own a domain and need more than three aliases.
• Check your regional subscription benefits to confirm if Apple TV and Arcade are included with your iCloud+ plan.
• Monitor Apple’s official documentation for specific details on AI usage limits for Siri and photo editing tools.

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Does iCloud+ include Apple TV and Arcade in the United States?

No, according to 9to5Mac, the free inclusion of Apple TV and Arcade with iCloud+ applies to subscribers in more than 100 countries but excludes the US.

How many custom email addresses can I create per domain with iCloud+?

Subscribers can now create up to 10 personalized email addresses per domain, an increase from the previous limit of three addresses.

What new features are included in HomeKit Secure Video with iOS 27?

iOS 27 adds 4K video support, generated video descriptions, clip searching capabilities and the ability to identify noteworthy clips for HomeKit Secure Video.