Apple considers paid access to advanced Siri AI

In his last earnings call as CEO of Apple, Tim Cook hinted that Siri's AI might soon be subject to certain paid restrictions. He mentioned the possibility that users could access increased computing power for Siri's AI through iCloud+ subscriptions. These subscriptions, which already offer expanded cloud storage, could therefore be enhanced with new paid options for users looking to get the most out of Siri.

Tim Cook clarified that these plans are not yet finalized, but he expressed his enthusiasm for Siri's future. He stated, "We believe there will be people who want to use [Siri AI] a lot, and so we will have some sort of upgrade possibilities on iCloud+, where people can purchase additional options on iCloud+, and we will see how that is received."

This business model is not new in the AI sector. Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI already offer limited free versions of their products, with the option for users to upgrade to paid versions for more intensive use. This allows companies to monetize their services while providing an accessible entry point for everyone.

The improved version of Siri's AI is currently in beta on iOS 27. Its broader rollout is expected this fall, which could coincide with the introduction of the paid options mentioned by Cook.

The leadership change at Apple, with John Ternus succeeding Tim Cook, comes at a crucial time. Apple has fallen behind in the AI race, particularly against Google. To catch up, Apple has had to resort to a customized Gemini model to enhance Siri. This delay has also led to a $250 million settlement for a class-action lawsuit related to how Apple promoted the AI capabilities of the iPhone 16.

Additionally, Apple, like other hardware manufacturers, is facing supply chain challenges. The shortage of RAM dedicated to AI has made hardware production more expensive. This has prompted companies like Meta, Samsung, Microsoft, and Sony to raise prices on some of their devices. Apple recently increased the prices of its Macs and iPads but has not yet adjusted those of its existing iPhones.