You should start paying for some AI features on your Galaxy device soon. If you look closely at Samsungโs latest product announcements, including the Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, and Galaxy S10 Ultra, a small but notable detail is buried in the fine print. A new footnote suggests that certain AI features may require a fee after 2025.
This potential change was first spotted by SamMobile, where the exact wording in the press releases reads: “Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025.” While not a definitive statement, it hints at a shift in Samsungโs AI strategyโmoving from offering free services to possibly charging users for certain tools or features in the near future.
This isnโt the first time Samsung has dropped such a hint. Earlier this year, a similar note appeared alongside the launch of the Galaxy S24 series, so itโs clear the company has been considering this move for some time. Although Samsung hasnโt revealed which specific features could come with a cost or how much it might charge, itโs evident that monetising AI is on their agenda.
What AI features might cost you?
At this stage, which AI tools might require payment is still unclear. However, itโs worth noting that many of Samsungโs devices already have various AI-driven functions, such as photo editing, real-time language translation, and note summaries. These are currently free to use, but if you find yourself relying heavily on these tools, you may have to pay to continue using them in the future.
Samsung has also confirmed that more AI features are coming, though they havenโt specified whether these new additions will be part of a paid package. With generative AI tools becoming increasingly complex and power-hungry, charging users for premium features could be a logical step for the tech giant. As AI models advance, they require more computational power and energy, which could explain why companies like Samsung are moving towards paid services.
The growing cost of AI
Samsungโs potential shift towards charging for AI isnโt entirely surprising. Many companies in the tech space are already offering premium AI features at a price. For example, Google and OpenAI (the makers of ChatGPT) charge US$20 (ยฃ15 or AU$29) per month for access to more advanced AI models. There are already rumours that the cost of ChatGPT Plus could increase significantly within the next few years.
Apple has also gradually introduced AI-powered features through its Apple Intelligence initiative, which is currently free. However, reports suggest that more advanced capabilities could eventually be bundled into paid services like Apple One.
For now, Samsung users can enjoy a range of AI features without fees, but this could change by the end of 2025. While we donโt yet know how much Samsung might charge or exactly when fees will start to apply, itโs clear that the company is preparing for a future where AI becomes a paid service.
What to expect moving forward
The transition to charging for AI tools is likely part of a broader trend in the tech industry. As AI technology advances, itโs becoming more expensive to develop and maintain, especially at the scale required by companies like Samsung. If you regularly use features such as live translations or automatic photo editing, itโs worth watching Samsungโs announcements over the next year.
For now, the AI tools you know and love remain free, but donโt be surprised if you eventually have to pay for these services. As we head towards 2025, Samsung will likely reveal more about its pricing plans and which features will be impacted.
