Arlo Kills Free Cloud Storage Feature, Ends Firmware Updates for Old Cameras

2023 began with some bad news for anyone who owns an Arlo Generation 3 or Arlo Pro wireless security camera.

As 9To5Google reports(Opens in a new window), the company sent an email to customers on Jan. 1 detailing a new End of Life policy(Opens in a new window) (PDF) that will be applied to older camera models going forward, with “old” meaning any device that was first manufactured more than four years ago.

To begin with, the Arlo Generation 3 (VMC3030) and Arlo Pro (VMC4030) will be subject to this new policy and will lose access to seven-day cloud storage, firmware updates, security updates, bug fixes, and email notifications on April 1, 2023. No spare parts, replacement devices, or servicing will be offered, either.

It’s important to point out that these two cameras were released in 2014 and 2016 respectively, and Arlo discontinued them several years ago. However, in a Reddit post(Opens in a new window) about the announcement, it’s pointed out that customers paid more for Arlo cameras because they included seven days of free cloud recordings instead of requiring a subscription.

After April 1, the cameras will continue to “live stream video, receive motion notifications, and store video clips locally with a compatible Arlo base station.” Cloud storage can be enabled again by paying for an Arlo Secure(Opens in a new window) subscription (from $2.99 to $19.99 per month), but the lack of firmware updates means “some functionality” will be lost over time.

The End of Life policy will be applied to other Arlo products as they age. On Jan. 1, 2024, the Arlo Baby (ABC1000), Arlo Pro2 (VMC4030P), Arlo Q (VMC3040), Arlo Q+ (VMC3040S), Arlo Lights (ALS1101), and the Arlo Audio Doorbell (AAD1001) will be subject to the policy. Arlo also announced that its email notifications, E911 emergency calling, and legacy video storage services are being deprecated.

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