Since its debut with the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024, Samsung’s Galaxy AI has been a defining feature, positioning the phones as cutting-edge “AI devices.” Initially offered free of charge to users, Samsung explicitly stated that this suite of generative AI capabilities would remain free through the end of 2025.
However, as that deadline approaches, reports suggest Samsung is seriously considering a shift towards a subscription model for at least some of these powerful Galaxy AI features. This potential change has been anticipated, especially given Samsung’s consistent messaging about the “free until 2025” period, which has been maintained even with the recent launch of the Galaxy S25 Edge. Buyers of the S25 Edge, Samsung’s newest flagship, are also promised free access only until the end of 2025, granting them around six months of complimentary use.
Samsung’s Head of Mobile eXperience, TM Roh, reinforced this timeline last year, stating that future pricing decisions would depend on “customer needs and market conditions.” This long-standing communication signals that a paid tier was always a strong possibility, likely aimed at offsetting the significant operational costs associated with running these advanced AI services.
When Could Samsung Announce Galaxy AI Pricing?
According to reports, the announcement regarding a potential Galaxy AI subscription could come as early as next month’s highly anticipated Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 launch event. Alternatively, Samsung might reveal its pricing plans later in the year, but certainly before the current free period expires at the close of 2025.
Some speculation also points to a rumored fall Unpacked event focused on new hardware like Android XR headsets (Project Moohan), which are expected to be heavily AI-integrated devices. Announcing Galaxy AI pricing alongside such AI-centric products could also make strategic sense.
Why the Shift to Subscriptions?
A move towards subscriptions for AI features isn’t unique to Samsung. The company likely faces considerable costs in delivering Galaxy AI. While some features run on-device, others rely on cloud-based AI models, including those from third-party providers like Google’s Gemini. Samsung doesn’t own all the underlying AI models it uses, meaning it incurs costs that could be passed on to consumers through device pricing or, more likely, a recurring subscription fee.
This potential AI subscription aligns with a broader strategic direction Samsung seems to be exploring. Recent reports indicate Samsung is also evaluating a paid subscription tier for its Samsung Health platform, specifically for advanced features on Galaxy Watch devices. This potential health subscription could unlock deeper analytics, personalized insights, and features like Vascular Load tracking, an AI-powered “personal health coach,” Antioxidant Index analysis, and a “Running Coach” with tailored training plans – many of which are expected to arrive this summer.
Some observers suggest Samsung might be launching these desirable AI and health features now, offering them free temporarily, before moving them behind a paywall. This “bait on the hook” strategy would mirror trends seen with other fitness brands introducing subscriptions in 2025, and potentially ensure users are accustomed to and reliant on the features before being asked to pay.
Furthermore, Samsung’s AI strategy is evolving. While currently leaning on Google’s Gemini for many Galaxy AI features and experiences like Circle to Search, recent reports suggest a potential future partnership with AI startup Perplexity AI. This collaboration, rumored for announcement in 2025 and integration potentially by the Galaxy S26 lineup, could see Perplexity’s AI search engine integrated into Samsung’s browser and serve as a default assistant. While future-focused, this highlights Samsung’s exploration of diverse AI partners, reinforcing the concept of external model costs contributing to the need for potential subscription revenue.
Is Galaxy AI Worth Paying For?
Galaxy AI currently offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including text summarization and generation, impressive photo editing capabilities, and on-device live translation. It has evolved significantly since its initial launch, receiving major upgrades and introducing new features like the Now Bar in One UI for the Galaxy S25 series. While opinions vary, many regard Galaxy AI as a strong offering compared to competitors like Apple Intelligence. However, it’s unclear how widely users utilize the most demanding features or how much the underlying costs truly amount to for Samsung.
Future devices, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, are expected to debut even more exclusive Galaxy AI features, while upcoming AI-first hardware like Project Moohan and potential smart glasses are likely to heavily leverage AI interfaces, perhaps even utilizing Gemini Live.
Ultimately, Samsung must soon provide clarity on the future of Galaxy AI access after 2025. Users, both those who already own compatible devices and those considering a new purchase, need to know which features, if any, will require a monthly fee and what that potential subscription model will look like. The expected announcement will shed light on what remains free and what advanced AI capabilities might necessitate an ongoing payment.
