Apple’s $50 Intelligence Usage Packs extend access to some AI features

Apple has begun charging for expanded access to certain AI features, rolling out the first Intelligence Usage Packs with the latest Logic Pro update. The pack costs $49.99 in the United States and is valid for one year, according to MacRumors and 9to5Mac. The feature appears in Logic Pro under the menu bar via Intelligence Features > Show Usage > Buy More Usage. The Verge notes that any unused additional usage rolls over month to month but expires 12 months after purchase, and Family Sharing is not supported.

The Logic Pro intelligent assistant can help creators "navigate production workflows, start a new song, set up a vocal track from a single prompt, or refine an active project," as described in Apple's update notes cited by MacRumors. Apple's support document states this assistant is "powered by Google Gemini" and therefore not considered part of Apple Intelligence, meaning extra usage will not be included in future iCloud+ bundles. MacRumors reports the usage limit is "impacted by the complexity of conversations you have with the assistant."

Apple has said for months that certain Apple Intelligence features relying on server-side Private Cloud Compute — including Siri AI, Image Playground, Extend and Reframe in Photos, and natural-language shortcuts — have daily usage limits that vary by feature, request complexity, system demand, and other factors. Expanded access to those features will eventually be "available for a fee in the future" and included with "most" iCloud+ plans, though the 50 GB plan at $0.99 per month appears excluded. MacRumors adds it is unclear if prices will increase once the expanded AI access is bundled with iCloud+.

The Intelligence Usage Pack model is currently limited to Apple Creator Studio apps. 9to5Mac and The Verge report that when the rest of the announced Creator Studio updates debut this month, usage packs are expected to arrive in Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, and the iWork suite (Pages, Keynote, Numbers). The Verge adds that these apps are getting access to Apple's AI chatbot. 9to5Mac notes Apple is initially selling expanded AI access through one-time purchases rather than subscriptions, unlike most other AI services.