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Samsung redraws the fine print on Galaxy AI, hinting at a future where not all smarts come free.
Prakhar Khanna / Digital Trends
Along with the Galaxy S24 lineup, Samsung launched Galaxy AI, a useful suite of AI-based features for Samsung’s flagship users. At the launch, the Korean giant said that both the on-device and cloud-based AI tools will remain complementary “through 2025.”
However, the company has reportedly changed the footnotes on the official Galaxy AI landing page, opening the door to charging for some, if not all, AI features. “Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free,” the updated footnote reads (via Android Authority).
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
Paid ‘Enhanced’ features could be on the horizon
But what are the “basic” Galaxy AI features? Per Samsung’s Services Terms and Conditions webpage, the list of basic features includes a total of 13 features, including but not limited to Call Assist, Writing Assist, Photo Assist, Note Assist, Transcript Assist, Browsing Assist, Interpreter, Now Brief, and Audio Eraser.
However, the updated footnote also states that Samsung might release certain “enhanced features” in the future, “on a paid basis.”
While it’s not immediately clear what the enhanced features include, they could be Galaxy AI features based on third-party services or AI models. Clearly, the company wants to separate in-house AI features from those provided by other companies, and it could be the latter that attracts a certain fee.
“Any Samsung enhanced AI features and all third party AI features are subject to different terms and may be subject to fees.” In my opinion, “Samsung enhanced” could refer either to advanced in-house AI tools (outsourced to third-party services at the backend) or to features built on licensed third-party models.
Samsung Mobile Press
In other words, it could be the cloud-based AI features (possibly the new ones) that might be available for a small fee.
We already know that Samsung uses Google’s Gemini AI assistant, Gemini Live, and Circle to Search, and the same is true for every other major Android manufacturer.
If Google were to change its licensing terms with OEMs, manufacturers might be forced to absorb the cost or pass it on to users, regardless of whether they own a mid-range or flagship Android device.
For now, Samsung’s flagship buyers (and other eligible device owners) can rest assured that most Galaxy AI features will remain free.
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