This year, Samsung was the first smartphone manufacturer to highlight the capabilities of generative AI. It launched the Galaxy AI suite with the Galaxy S24 in collaboration with Google and other companies, making AI capabilities a major selling point for the new flagships. Samsung began rolling out Galaxy AI capabilities for older smartphones a few months later. I anticipate that the next Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 will come equipped with at least as many Galaxy AI functions as the Galaxy S24.
Even though Galaxy AI is free for customers we discovered in January that this offer will only last until 2025 thanks to a footnote. In a separate footnote, Samsung reaffirmed the same guarantee and provided us with an accurate estimate. Up to the end of 2025, Galaxy AI will be free. What takes occur next? Will there be a subscription for Galaxy AI Plus?
The footnote originates from a Samsung statement made earlier this week, which described the launch of seven Galaxy Experience Spaces globally to allow customers to explore the latest capabilities of Galaxy AI.
It’s made plain in the footnote that not every Galaxy AI function could work with every compatible device. Third-party AI features may also have separate usage guidelines. Google is one such third party; the Circle to Search function was first introduced with the Galaxy S24 series. However, Samsung claims that up to the end of 2025, its own Galaxy AI will be free:
Galaxy AI functions may not be available on all smartphone models. Free Galaxy AI features will be available on compatible Samsung Galaxy devices till the end of 2025. For third-party AI functionality, other terminology could apply.
As the end of the next year draws near, Samsung may decide to extend that deadline. Ultimately, additional Galaxy AI functions may be introduced with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. Furthermore, additional AI techniques should be added to the Galaxy S25 series by early 2025. With Google’s AI initiatives included, the Android flagships of the upcoming year may have more potent generative AI capabilities than those of the previous year.
I stated in January that Samsung need to eventually charge for Galaxy AI. It seems reasonable to subscribe to Galaxy AI Plus. It may assist in defraying some of the expenses and guarantee that Samsung makes investments in robust privacy and security measures.
Not all Galaxy AI functions are available on-device, after all. We interchange a lot of data with servers, and I wouldn’t want to pay for any form of AI by using my data to teach it.
Danger posed by Google and Apple AI
However, the majority of the Apple Intelligence capabilities in iOS 18 operate locally on the device. In order to protect the privacy of data that must be sent to the cloud for processing, Apple has also created new technologies. In addition, ChatGPT integration offers guarantees that user data is kept private and prompts the user to consent to data processing on OpenAI servers.
I also mentioned that Apple cannot currently charge for iPhone AI due to the way Apple Intelligence operates, particularly given the majority of its capabilities are in-app. But if Siri AI develops into a very strong assistant in the future, I will pay for it without hesitation.
I should also mention that practically every ChatGPT feature for which you would have needed to pay for a Plus subscription in January is now free. Access to the recently released GPT-4o model is part of it.
By the way, there are rumors that Google will release a suite of AI features on the Pixel 9 called Google AI. Samsung will be under pressure because they will probably remain unique to the Pixel 9 and Pixels in general for some time. It’s unknown how long Google AI will be available for free on Pixel 9. On the other hand, Google often provides its users with free software. Again, ChatGPT users may get GPT-4o for free.
to I/O 2024, Google hinted to the new Gemini AI assistant, demonstrating its ability to equal GPT-4o’s capabilities. Any Android phone, even Samsung’s top models, would benefit greatly from the inclusion of Gemini AI. However, it’s possible that it will only be available as part of the Google AI software suite that Google is developing for the Pixel 9.
Since we’re going to be talking about Galaxy AI once more, let me just state that before Samsung can charge for any kind of Plus membership, Galaxy AI has to be much improved.
Yes, Apple’s demoed Siri experience for iOS 18 won’t be available until the following year. Indeed, it will launch as a test AI helper at first. But as of this writing, Samsung doesn’t offer anything comparable. It is also unable to compete with the Gemini AI assistant by itself.
Where’s Bixby?
In the event that Bixby is redesigned by late 2025, there is likely no need to introduce a premium membership service for Galaxy AI Plus. That’s not to argue that Samsung shouldn’t charge users a portion of the expenses associated with AI processing and research. Simply put, considering what is going on with rivals, Samsung needs to step up its game in the AI battle.
Hopefully, when Samsung unveils the new foldables next week, we’ll find out more about Galaxy AI. On compatible smartphones, you can continue enjoy free Galaxy AI access for about 18 months, regardless of what happens with the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6.
