Quick Summary
Samsung has confirmed some more details of its AI offering, including that it'll all be free until the end of 2025.
This indicates that from 2026 onwards at least some of the features will be premium.
Samsung is far from the only phone maker betting big on AI features, with its Galaxy AI suite of options aimed at persuading punters that the best AI tools are on its devices.
Now it's underlined that these features will be free to all users on compatible devices (which isn't that many of them) until the end of 2025. And, while it's not commenting on what the plan is from 2026 onwards, it likely involves at least some sort of subscription.
This reiteration has come in the small print attached to an announcement from Samsung that it's going to open a few pop-up locations in cities around the world this summer. They will give people the chance to experiment with Galaxy AI and see what the tools can actually do.
That footnote reads: "Galaxy AI features will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices." That's likely include the new foldable phones expected to launch next week at Galaxy Unpacked in Paris.
The question remains how it'll brand whatever the 2026 version of the offering is, with 91mobiles pointing out that plenty of people assume this will be called Galaxy AI+ – a very easy way to indicate a new premium tier at that point.
The other obvious question is which features it'll lock behind a paywall. If people have just had 18 months and more to get used to taking advantage of certain features, whether Circle to Search or Live Translation, it might be a wrench if they disappear overnight.
Of course, 2026 is also still a long way off, so it's entirely possible that by that point Samsung will have cooked up some new features that are even fresher and more easily stuck behind a subscription. However, there will be some delicate messaging required either way.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
So, if you're lucky enough to have a compatible Galaxy device right now (which means you've probably got one of the best phones on the market already) be sure to enjoy and actually use those AI features for the next 18 months. You never know if they'll be yours to access forever or not.
Max is T3's Staff Writer for the Tech section – with years of experience reporting on tech and entertainment. He's also a gaming expert, both with the games themselves and in testing accessories and consoles, having previously flexed that expertise at Pocket-lint as a features editor.
-
Technogym launch adjustable dumbbells with a hidden secret to make your workouts smart
Train smarter with the new 'Connected Dumbbells'
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Google Pixel 9a tipped for a camera change you might find surprising
Details on the Google Pixel 9a camera might not be what you expect
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung has a crazy plan for its foldable display tech – laptops might never look the same again
This laptop patent would be unlike anything else on the market
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I tried the iPhone 16 Pro on safari – now I want one for the huge camera upgrade
The iPhone 16 Pro's zoom boost is a game-changer
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 SE could be the king of foldables for one good reason
And the other rumours are looking good too...
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung's Odyssey G9 OLED gaming monitors have hit rock bottom prices for Prime Day
49-inch, 240Hz and a 1000R curved display will make your games look incredible
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Samsung phone owners will have to wait longer for Android 15 – until the Samsung Galaxy S25, in fact
It looks like it will be worth the wait though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra dummy unit proves it's what's inside that really counts
It looks like the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t going to change all that much – or is it?
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is superthin, OLED and comes with a surprise keyboard addition
Samsung's first Chromebook Plus is built to shine
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Your Chromebook is getting a major AI upgrade for free
New features are coming soon to Chromebook and Chromebook Plus
By Rik Henderson Published