Samsung could soon offer paid subscription plans for some Galaxy AI features changing how users access the artificial intelligence tools on their smartphones.
The South Korean tech giant is testing a new service called Galaxy AI Premium that would give customers extra features and higher usage limits if they pay for it.
Samsung has offered several AI-powered features free of charge since Galaxy AI was launched with the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024. But now reports say the company is planning to introduce premium options for users who rely on advanced AI tools regularly.
Samsung’s subscription service could be split into two tiers (Standard and Max). The Standard plan would presumably provide free access to Galaxy AI tools but the Max subscription may offer more functionality and higher usage allowances.
The reported price for the premium plan is $4.99 per month ($47.99 annually) although these prices have not yet been confirmed by Samsung.
The subscription could also bring several new AI-powered tools. One of them is likely Gen Video that would let users turn ordinary photos into AI video clips (this could open up creative possibilities for Galaxy smartphone owners).
Another feature reported is Bixby Action that could use artificial intelligence to automate tasks in different applications. This might make it easier for users to do multiple activities by using AI-powered commands.
Samsung is also said to be working on a Daily Briefing feature which could provide users with personalised information and updates. Premium subscribers may also get up to four times the usage allowance as standard plan users.
Important to note here is that Samsung doesn’t appear to be going all the way and removing everything Galaxy AI related from its free offering. Browsing Assist, Now Brief, Creative Studio, Smart Capture, Samsung Keyboard AI features, Photo Assist and Personal Agent are likely still available without a subscription (although usage limits may apply).
Users who hit their free usage limit may reportedly be able to buy more credits or upgrade to a premium plan for access to more.
This is part of a trend where technology companies are trying to find ways to monetize artificial intelligence services. Running advanced AI systems takes a lot of computing power (especially when features depend on cloud processing).
Samsung has also said before that its basic Galaxy AI features would be free, but some advanced capabilities and new services would become paid offerings.
In a statement to Tech Advisor Samsung said its core Galaxy AI features would be free but “some advanced capabilities or new services may be offered as paid options in the future”.
The reported subscription plan is still waiting for more information (launch date, availability and final pricing). If launched it could arrive alongside Samsung’s Galaxy S27 series first.
For now Galaxy smartphone owners can continue using the free AI features but if Galaxy AI Premium is ever introduced how much would people be willing to pay for more advanced smartphone AI capabilities.
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