tech
Siri AI could come with a paywall for power users
Apple CEO Tim Cook envisions users being able to buy more compute for Siri AI via Apple's existing iCloud+ subscriptions.

TL;DR
- Apple CEO Tim Cook suggested that enhanced Siri AI capabilities could be offered through paid upgrades via iCloud+ subscriptions.
- This tiered access model is similar to how other AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI operate.
- The new Siri AI is currently in beta and planned for a wider release this fall.
- Apple has been working to catch up in the AI assistant space, even licensing a Google model to enhance Siri.
- The company recently settled a class action lawsuit regarding marketing of iPhone 16's AI capabilities.
- Apple, like other hardware manufacturers, faces rising costs for components like RAM due to industry-wide AI-driven shortages.
- This has led to price increases for some devices from companies like Meta, Samsung, Microsoft, and Sony, and previously for Apple's Macs and iPads.