Enjoy Galaxy AI while it’s free — Samsung will charge for it at the end of 2025

Samsung's recent unveiling of the Galaxy S24 series brought a spotlight on the innovative features within the Galaxy AI suite. However, there's a catch – these cutting-edge AI features won't remain free forever.

As per a footnote on Samsung's website, the tech giant plans to offer the Galaxy AI features "for free" until the end of 2025. Android Police first identified this information on the U.S. website, and MobileSyrup confirmed its presence on the Canadian pages for the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S24/S24+.

The lingering question is: What will it cost users once the grace period ends? Samsung has not disclosed this information yet, leaving consumers in suspense until a later date. The revelation of potential charges for these features may come as a surprise, given that it was conspicuously absent from Samsung's initial phone reveal.

Adding to the complexity, certain Galaxy AI features necessitate an internet connection and a Samsung account. While some functions can operate offline through on-device processing, notable features like 'Live Translate,' 'Note Assist,' and 'Chat Assist' rely on an active internet connection.

However, it's not all gloomy news. Samsung has clarified that AI features offered by third parties may have different terms. This opens up possibilities for features like 'Circle to Search,' powered by Google. Additionally, Samsung has assured users that it plans to bring some Galaxy AI features to existing phones, offering a silver lining for current device owners.

The move to charge for these features, though not unexpected in the competitive smartphone market, may raise eyebrows, especially given the Galaxy S24's hefty price tag of $1,800. Smartphone manufacturers frequently explore avenues to generate additional revenue, often adopting the strategy of initially offering a feature for free and then introducing charges once users are invested. This tactic is not unique to Samsung, with Apple and Google employing similar methods with their respective devices.

In the world of tech, it seems the pursuit of innovation often comes with a price tag, and Samsung's decision to monetize certain AI features is just another example of this trend. As consumers await further details, it's clear that the landscape of smartphone features and their associated costs continues to evolve.