AI has become one of the biggest selling points of Galaxy smartphones over the past few years. In fact, all the launch events for the last two generations of Galaxy S and Galaxy Z series flagships focused heavily on how these devices aim to make life easier through AI-driven features. On the other hand, the list of hardware improvements has been relatively short in those releases. This has also raised concerns about Samsung potentially charging for the very features that were highlighted as the key selling point of these devices.
The brand initially promised to keep Galaxy AI features “complimentary through 2025,” a statement that didn’t clearly explain what would happen beyond that period. It made headlines and, quite reasonably, sparked concerns among Galaxy fans who were convinced by, and grew to rely on, these features.
Now, Samsung has finally clarified its future plans regarding the key selling point of its phones. The Galaxy AI landing page has been updated with a footnote stating: “Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.”
Samsung hints at plans to charge for some advanced AI features
Samsung is likely to push more advanced — and possibly more convenient — AI features going forward that make Galaxy phones smarter. However, the statement also hints that the brand plans to eventually charge for some advanced and potentially niche AI features. The upcoming Galaxy S26 series, for instance, is expected to focus heavily on proactive, on-device AI.
“Galaxy AI basic features are those services listed under ‘Advanced Intelligence’ in the current Samsung Services Terms and Conditions,” the company further explained in the footnote.
Under “Advanced Intelligence” in Samsung’s Terms, the basic, free Galaxy AI features include communication tools such as Live Translate, Interpreter, Chat Assist, and Transcript Assist, along with productivity-focused features like Note Assist, Writing Assist, Browsing Assist, Now Brief, and Photo Assist.
While the “basic” Galaxy AI features are now confirmed to remain free indefinitely, Samsung’s decision to potentially charge for future AI capabilities could signal a broader industry shift. After all, it’s common for smartphone brands to take notes from each other’s playbooks. How the “AI features” category evolves by the end of the year will be worth watching.
It’s also worth noting that some features powered by Google Gemini, such as Gemini Live, fall under the “AI features provided by third parties” category, meaning different terms could apply to them.
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