Samsung’s Future Plans: Galaxy AI Features Might Not Be Free by 2025

Samsung has focused on Galaxy AI since early 2024, making it a key feature for its devices. The company sees AI as both a selling point and a potential source of income. Recently, Samsung hinted that some AI features may not stay free forever. This idea came up again when Samsung announced the Galaxy Tab S10 series and Galaxy S24 FE on September 26. The press release mentioned that “fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025.”

Paid Galaxy AI Features Might Be Coming

Samsung has hinted at paid AI features several times this year. After the Galaxy S24 launch in January and before the Galaxy Z6 launch in July, the company shared similar messages. It hasn’t yet said which AI features will have fees, leaving users to wonder what will change.

The future of Galaxy AI is still unclear. Samsung may start charging for some features, but it hasn’t given specifics. This leaves room for speculation about what might stay free and what will become paid.

Samsung Health and the Subscription Model

Earlier this year, Hon Pak, the head of Samsung Health, mentioned the possibility of a subscription service for the Samsung Health app. In a February interview with CNBC, he said users should get value for their money if they have to pay for a service. “If you’re going to really make me pay for something, you better give me something that’s more end-to-end, that’s more comprehensive,” he said.

While this statement was about Samsung Health, it gives a clue about Samsung’s thinking. The company seems committed to providing value if it starts charging for AI features.

Google’s Role in Paid AI Features

Many of Samsung’s AI tools rely on Google’s technology. If Google starts charging for AI, Samsung may follow. This could be why Samsung refers to “AI” in its press releases instead of “Galaxy AI.” If Google monetizes its AI tools, Samsung might have to do the same.

At the same time, Samsung has been exploring ways to generate steady income through paid services and subscriptions. For example, Samsung already offers Secure Wi-Fi as a paid service on Galaxy devices. Users pay $0.99 for 24 hours of secure browsing or $1.99 for a month.

AI Features That Could Become Paid

Samsung hasn’t said which AI tools will have a fee, but some features seem like strong candidates. AI-powered photography, voice assistants, or health tracking could end up behind a paywall. Advanced tools for productivity, like AI-driven scheduling or transcription, might also be part of the paid service.

Samsung could also choose to keep basic features free and charge for premium options. This would allow the company to serve both casual and power users.

Making Sure Users Get Value

If Samsung decides to charge for AI, it will need to offer real value. Users won’t pay for something that doesn’t significantly improve their experience. Samsung’s challenge will be to provide advanced AI features that justify the cost.

One way to do this could be bundling AI services into existing subscriptions or creating new ones. If Samsung can offer a comprehensive, valuable service, it might be able to make the transition to paid AI features smoothly.

Samsung’s Plans for the Future

As 2025 approaches, Samsung seems set on making at least some AI features paid. This is part of a larger plan to generate revenue from AI services. The company is already laying the groundwork by mentioning possible fees in its press releases.

For now, Galaxy users can continue to use AI features for free. But as Samsung looks to the future, paid AI features seem likely. Whether or not users are willing to pay for these tools will play a big role in Samsung’s next steps.

In conclusion, Samsung is preparing to charge for some AI features by the end of 2025. While the company hasn’t revealed all the details yet, it’s clear that paid AI is part of its future plans. Users should watch for more information on which features will remain free and which will require payment.