Apple shares details about restrictions and terms of use of Apple Intelligence

Apple today published a new support article that describes in more detail the terms, conditions, and limitations of using Apple Intelligence. Here’s what the company says.

A little context

When Apple first announced the new Apple Intelligence during WWDC26, the company said that “some images, including image generation,” would have usage restrictions because “they rely on powerful server models.”

The company added that enhanced access will be available on most iCloud+ subscription plans and will also include Apple Intelligence support for compatible home cameras.

Earlier today, Apple confirmed these restrictions during the Surprise and Shine event. However, the company did not provide details about what these restrictions will be or what additional access iCloud+ subscribers will get.

Now the company has published a new support article called “Learn about the limitations of using Apple Intelligence” that goes into more detail about these limitations.

“Extended access will be available for an additional fee.”

According to Apple, the following features will vary depending on server models and may be subject to usage restrictions:

• Siri AI
• Intelligent photo editing tools including cleanup, enhancement, and spatial reframing
• Playground image
• Models AFM 3 Cloud and AFM 3 Cloud Pro in shortcuts
• Developer apps using Apple Foundation models in private cloud computing

Apple says it will put restrictions on the use of these and other Apple Intelligence and Siri AI features “in the future,” but it hasn’t revealed details about what those restrictions will look like or when they’ll go into effect.

However, the company confirms that once users reach these limits, the affected features will be unavailable for a period of time before access is restored.

Apple also notes that the restrictions themselves won’t necessarily be the same across features, but users will be able to pay for enhanced access:

Limits may vary based on feature, request complexity, system requirements, system policies, and other factors. Expanded access to such features will be available for a fee.

As for the Apple Intelligence features that will work with home cameras, the company 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 on the 2TB plan, up to 2 cameras on the 6TB plan, and up to 5 cameras on the 12TB plan. The number of supported cameras and other iCloud+ plan features may change over time.

Apple adds that use of Siri AI and Apple Intelligence will be subject to the Apple Intelligence Terms of Use, which also outline restrictions on excessive or abusive use, accessibility and device requirements, age restrictions, and how Apple may enforce violations.

Here are the two most important facts:

Unreasonable use

Excessive, abusive, automated, fraudulent, illegal or otherwise unreasonable use, including use that materially affects the availability of the services or other users, may be limited, limited, suspended or subject to further restrictions. We can determine what constitutes inappropriate usage based on factors such as usage volume, frequency, request complexity, system requirements, and usage patterns.

Law Enforcement

Apple reserves the right to investigate and take action against any use that violates these Terms of Use, including limiting, suspending, or terminating access to Apple Intelligence features. Apple may update these Terms of Use from time to time, and continued use of Apple Intelligence after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms of Use.

Learn more about Apple Intelligence’s terms of use here.

9to5Mac’s full coverage of Apple’s “Surprise and Shine” event is available here.

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