Galaxy AI could become a paid service post-2025.

Months ago, I questioned if Galaxy S24’s AI would be free or require payment, like ChatGPT’s subscription model proving AI features can’t be entirely free for the best experience.

Regarding the Galaxy S24, it’s confirmed that Samsung maintained flagship prices, except for a $100 rise in the Ultra model. Initially, I speculated on potential AI charges, maybe through a subscription model.

During my Galaxy S24 briefing with Samsung, I inquired about Galaxy AI’s cost. Samsung assured that there were no current plans for charges, suggesting potential changes, with a set deadline now revealed: 2025.

Galaxy AI encompasses a broad range of built-in AI and generative features integrated into Android. It goes beyond Samsung’s Gauss AI, involving collaboration with Google for certain AI functionalities. Notably, the standout Circle to Search feature in the Galaxy S24 series, I would contend, is unrelated to Samsung.

In other words, determining the payment method for AI isn’t solely within Samsung’s control. It’s worth reiterating: nothing online is free; you compensate with personal data for Google features, such as Circle to Search. This principle extends to any generative AI functionalities developed with the assistance of Google’s Gemini or other Google LLMs.

Unlike Samsung, alternative approaches might be explored for AI monetization. Samsung explicitly stated that it abstains from gathering user data through its AI features. Additionally, Galaxy AI refrains from training on messages and conversations.

Samsung has subtly hinted at the potential for future charges on certain AI features. Initially noticed by Android Central, a footnote in the Samsung Galaxy S24 announcement for Australia suggested that Galaxy AI features may not remain free indefinitely.

Galaxy AI features will be available at no cost on supported Samsung Galaxy devices until the conclusion of 2025.

We are in the initial stages of Galaxy AI, and developments are expected. Samsung will enhance existing Galaxy AI features and introduce new ones. Additionally, the company intends to extend Galaxy AI features to specific devices later this year. Moreover, I anticipate that all future Galaxy flagships, and even some mid-range phones, will come equipped with Galaxy AI features.

I’d like to mention that certain Galaxy AI features operate directly on the device, including translations in Messages, Calls, and Interpreter, as well as the Camera’s Edit Suggestion feature and the Photo Ambient Wallpaper picker on the Galaxy S24. Consequently, Samsung cannot monetize these features. However, the majority of Galaxy AI relies on cloud processing, presenting an opportunity for Samsung to potentially introduce subscriptions.

Finally, I’ll also say that Samsung’s Knox security suite lets you disable Galaxy AI features on the device. This is a feature that can come in handy if you don’t care about generative AI features, whether they’re free or paid. 

In the meantime, you have the option to pre-order any of the three Galaxy S24 versions through this link.