Apple has released a new support article with more information about the terms, limits, and restrictions governing Apple Intelligence usage. Here is what the company says.
Some background
When Apple first introduced Apple Intelligence at WWDC26, it said “some images, including image generation,” would have usage limits because “they rely on powerful server models.”
Apple also said broader access would be offered through most iCloud+ subscription plans, along with Apple Intelligence support for compatible home cameras.
Earlier today, Apple repeated those restrictions during its “Surprise and Shine” event. However, it did not explain the exact limits or how much extra access iCloud+ subscribers would receive.
Apple has now published a support article titled “Learn about Apple Intelligence usage limits,” which provides more detail on these restrictions.
“More access will be available for a fee”
According to Apple, the following features will depend on server-side models and may be subject to usage limits:
– Siri AI
– Intelligent Photo Editing Tools, including Clean Up, Extend, and Spatial Reframing
– Image Playground
– AFM 3 Cloud and AFM 3 Cloud Pro Models in Shortcuts
– Developer apps using Apple Foundation Models in Private Cloud Compute
Apple says it will put usage limits in place for these and other Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features “in the future,” though it has not said what those limits will be or when they will go into effect.
Limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Increased access to such features will be available for a fee.
The company does confirm that once users hit those limits, the affected features will be unavailable for a period of time before access returns.
Apple also says the limits may not be identical across all features, but users will be able to pay for additional access:
Limits may vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, system policies, and other factors. Increased access to such features will be available for a fee.
Some Apple Intelligence features in the Home app, such as video summaries, are available for a limited number of cameras depending on your iCloud+ plan — up to 1 camera in the 2 TB plan, up to 2 cameras in the 6 TB plan, and up to 5 cameras in the 12 TB plan. Supported camera counts and other iCloud+ plan features may change over time.
For Apple Intelligence features that work with home cameras, Apple says:
Some Apple Intelligence features in the Home app, such as video summaries, are available for a limited number of cameras depending on your iCloud+ plan — up to 1 camera in the 2 TB plan, up to 2 cameras in the 6 TB plan, and up to 5 cameras in the 12 TB plan. Supported camera counts and other iCloud+ plan features may change over time.
Apple adds that both Siri AI and Apple Intelligence use will fall under the Apple Intelligence Usage Terms, which also cover limits on excessive or abusive use, availability and device requirements, age restrictions, and how Apple may enforce violations.
Two key points stand out:
Unreasonable or Excessive Use
Unreasonable Use
Excessive, abusive, automated, fraudulent, illegal or otherwise unreasonable use, including use that materially impacts service availability or other users, may be restricted, throttled, suspended, or subject to additional limits. We may determine what constitutes unreasonable use based on factors including usage volume, frequency, request complexity, system demand, and patterns of use.
Excessive, abusive, automated, fraudulent, illegal or otherwise unreasonable use, including use that materially impacts service availability or other users, may be restricted, throttled, suspended, or subject to additional limits. We may determine what constitutes unreasonable use based on factors including usage volume, frequency, request complexity, system demand, and patterns of use.
Enforcement Actions
Enforcement
Apple reserves the right to investigate and take action against any use that violates these Usage Terms, including restricting, suspending, or terminating access to Apple Intelligence Features. Apple may update these Usage Terms from time to time, and continued use of Apple Intelligence after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Usage Terms.
Apple reserves the right to investigate and take action against any use that violates these Usage Terms, including restricting, suspending, or terminating access to Apple Intelligence Features. Apple may update these Usage Terms from time to time, and continued use of Apple Intelligence after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Usage Terms.
For Digitio’s full coverage of Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event, follow this link.
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