TechCrunch • 7/31/2026 – 8/1/2026

Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated that the company may introduce a paid upgrade option for its iCloud Plus service, specifically aimed at users who wish to increase their AI usage limits. During an earnings call, Cook expressed his belief that there will be a strong demand for Apple Intelligence and the forthcoming Siri AI, which is set to launch broadly this fall with iOS 27. He mentioned that there will be "some kind of upgrade possibilities on iCloud Plus where people can buy up the stack," suggesting a tiered service model for enhanced AI capabilities. The upcoming Siri AI will feature new functionalities, including the ability to answer questions about content displayed on users' screens and perform actions across various applications. This iteration of Siri will also include a standalone app that offers a ChatGPT-like interface, which is expected to enhance user interaction with the AI. These advancements are part of Apple's broader strategy to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into its ecosystem, as announced in June. The potential for a paywall for power users aligns with Cook's vision of providing additional computational resources for Siri AI through existing iCloud+ subscriptions. This development reflects Apple's commitment to expanding its AI offerings and catering to users who may require more robust capabilities. Overall, the introduction of a tiered service model for iCloud Plus could significantly impact how users interact with Siri AI and utilize Apple's AI technologies.
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