Samsung has confirmed that it will be rolling out an “AI subscription” for Galaxy smartphones, possibly as early as next month. This means that some of the advanced AI features that Samsung has been showing off might soon require a paid subscription to access.
Remember those disclaimers during the Galaxy S24 launch? Yeah, those weren’t kidding. Samsung’s been dropping hints like a forgetful AI, and now it’s official: Galaxy AI is going freemium. Samsung’s Han Jong-hee confirmed at CES 2025 that an “AI subscription” is coming.
While existing Galaxy AI features on devices like the S24 series will remain free until the end of 2025, it seems likely that newer, more advanced AI features will be locked behind a paywall. Think of it as a “DLC” for your phone’s brainpower.
Samsung’s also been showing off its “Ballie” robot, a cute little AI-powered ball that wants to be your best friend and home assistant. But don’t get too attached just yet. It sounds like Ballie might come with a subscription fee too. Who knew AI companionship would have a recurring cost?
Samsung isn’t the only company considering this approach. As AI gets more sophisticated, tech companies are looking for ways to monetize those extra smarts. So, in the future, you might need a subscription to unlock the full potential of your AI assistant, your smart home devices, and maybe even your toaster.
For now, enjoy the free AI while it lasts. But when 2026 rolls around, be prepared to make some decisions. Will you pay to play, or stick with the basic AI package? The choice is yours, but choose wisely, my friend. The future of AI is subscription-based, and it’s coming sooner than you think.