Free until the end of 2025

Samsung was the first smartphone maker to make a big deal about generative AI features in mobile devices this year. It partnered with Google and others to launch the Galaxy AI suite on the Galaxy S24, turning AI features into a big selling point for its new flagships. A few months later, Samsung began rolling out Galaxy AI features to older devices. I expect the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 to offer the same Galaxy AI features as the Galaxy S24, if not more.

While Galaxy AI is available for free to buyers, we learned from a footnote in January that it would only be free until 2025. Samsung confirmed the same commitment in another footnote, giving us a clear estimate. Galaxy AI will be free until the end of 2025. What happens after that? Will we get a Galaxy AI Plus subscription?

The footnote comes from Samsung’s announcement earlier this week, which detailed the opening of seven Galaxy Experience Spaces around the world where users will be able to discover new Galaxy AI features.

The footnote makes it clear that not all Galaxy AI features may be available on all supported devices. Additionally, third-party AI features may have different terms of use. One such third party is Google, whose Circle to Search feature debuted on the Galaxy S24 series. However, Samsung says its own Galaxy AI feature will be free until the end of 2025:

Galaxy AI feature availability may vary by device model. Galaxy AI features will be available for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Different terms may apply to AI features provided by third parties.

Samsung could very well extend that deadline as we get closer to the end of next year. After all, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 could introduce new Galaxy AI features. Then there’s the Galaxy S25 series, which should also feature new AI tricks in early 2025. Throw in Google’s own AI efforts, and next year’s Android flagships could have more advanced generative AI features than their predecessors.

I said back in January that Samsung should charge for Galaxy AI in the future. A Galaxy AI Plus subscription made sense to me. It could help cover some of the cost and ensure Samsung invests in strong security and privacy features.

After all, most of the Galaxy AI features don’t run on the device. There’s a lot of data being exchanged with servers, and I wouldn’t want to pay for any kind of AI training with my data.

The Threat of Apple Intelligence and Google AI

On the other hand, Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18 run locally on the device for most tasks. Apple has also developed new technology to protect the privacy of data that needs to be sent to the cloud for processing. ChatGPT integration also includes prompts for the user to allow data to be processed on OpenAI servers and ensure that the data remains private.

Given the way Apple Intelligence works, I also said that Apple can’t charge for iPhone AI just yet, especially since most of its AI features run on the device. But I’d happily pay for Siri AI of the future, which will become a truly powerful assistant.

I will also mention that almost all ChatGPT features that required a Plus subscription fee in January are now available for free. This includes access to the brand new GPT-4o model.

By the way, Google is reportedly planning to launch the Google AI suite of features on the Pixel 9. These will likely remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 and Pixels in general for some time, putting pressure on Samsung. It’s unclear whether Google AI will be free on the Pixel 9 forever. But then again, Google typically offers its customers free software. And, again, GPT-4o is available for free to ChatGPT users.

Google announced a new Gemini AI assistant at I/O 2024, proving it could match the capabilities of GPT-4o. Gemini AI would be a great addition to any Android phone, including Samsung’s flagships. But it could always be an exclusive part of the Google AI app suite Google is working on for the Pixel 9.

Since we’re back on Galaxy AI, I’d have to say Samsung needs a significant Galaxy AI upgrade before it can charge for any Plus subscription.

Yes, the Siri experience Apple unveiled in iOS 18 won’t be ready until next year. And yes, it’ll initially launch as a beta AI assistant. But Samsung doesn’t have anything like it at the time of this writing. Nor can it match the Gemini AI assistant.

Where is Bixby?

If we don’t get a revamped Bixby by the end of 2025, there probably won’t be a reason to launch a paid Galaxy AI Plus subscription. That’s not to say Samsung shouldn’t pass on some of the AI ​​development and processing costs to the user. It’s just that Samsung needs to raise the bar in the AI ​​race, given what’s happening with its competitors.

Hopefully, we’ll learn more about Galaxy AI next week when Samsung launches its new foldable devices. But whatever happens with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6, you’ll still get about 18 months of free access to Galaxy AI on supported devices.