Galaxy AI: Samsung has no plans to charge for its AI

During the Samsung Unpacked event, at which new foldables such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 as well as the Flip SE were presented, the company was asked about possible fees that could be incurred from the end of 2025. Samsung has given the all-clear in this regard.

Galaxy AI will remain free of charge

With the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung introduced numerous AI functions under the Galaxy AI brand, some of which are provided by Samsung and others by Google. At the time, it was stated that the Galaxy AI functions would remain free of charge until the end of 2025. In addition, Samsung's Head of Mobile Experience, TM Roh, hinted at the beginning of 2024 that there could be a paid AI offering at some point if the company integrates more powerful AI into its devices.

For now, however, Galaxy AI will remain free of charge, even if the company continues to upgrade its AI package and new smartphones receive ever more powerful computing power that can take on more on-device tasks. Samsung confirmed this to 9to5 Google and Android Authority: A company executive confirmed that there have been internal discussions about monetizing the Galaxy AI functions. However, Samsung currently has no plans to put the tools behind a paywall.

It is questionable which of the Galaxy AI functions currently on offer users would be willing to pay for. A fundamental part of the AI functions on Samsung devices, such as the AI assistant Gemini and Circle to Search, comes from Google anyway.

Android Authority, however, believes that the approach of offering Galaxy AI functions for free will not only benefit users. Samsung could also benefit from this and attract more buyers for Galaxy devices who want to have access to AI functions without paying an additional fee. When considering Samsung's possible plans, it should not be forgotten that the manufacturer has not yet charged for any service intended for end customers. A fee-based model would be new territory for Samsung.

(afl)