Apple could charge users to increase their AI usage limits.
Apple adds paid iCloud Plus tiers to monetize Apple Intelligence (Siri, image generation) with daily usage limits. Server-dependent AI caps signal cost pressures on LLMs; IT leaders should incorporate usage-based AI licensing in enterprise procurement.
Tim Cook indicated Apple will charge heavy Siri users, marking the company's first paid Apple Intelligence feature. The move reveals how cloud AI vendors will monetize compute infrastructure through premium subscriptions, reshaping software economics.
Heavy users of Apple Intelligence may need an iCloud+ subscription
Cook signals Apple's on-device AI strategy is 'competitive weapon' vs $100B+ rival capex; Apple's Q2 capex $2.46B. On-device processing cuts cloud costs and protects IP; Siri launch (fall 2026) tests viability; iCloud+ tiers monetize heavy AI users.
Ahead of the launch of Siri AI, Apple's outgoing CEO Tim Cook said the company will charge for artificial intelligence through iCloud.
