According to Korean media mk, Samsung stated that it would not consider whether to charge for Galaxy AI in the future, but would instead focus on allowing more users to experience AI functions.
At the Galaxy Unpacked conference on January 18, Samsung announced a series of Galaxy AI features represented by instant translation. However, according to previous reports, Samsung mentioned in the footnote of the official press release that “Galaxy AI features will be available for free on supported Samsung Galaxy devices until the end of 2025” and did not promise to continue to provide these features for free after 2026. This vague expression has caused concern and worry among some consumers.
The head of Samsung Electronics’ MX division responded to this concern, saying that Samsung will not consider monetizing the Galaxy AI business this year, but will focus on allowing more users to experience AI functions.
However, the person in charge also said that when users are willing to pay for higher performance, the issue of charging for AI functions will be considered again.
Samsung considered charging partner banks for the Samsung Pay function in South Korea last year, but ultimately decided to renew the free cooperation contract in the context of Apple Pay entering the Korean market. An industry insider believes that Galaxy AI may be in a similar situation in the future: AI will be popularized in the smartphone industry in the next two years, and it will not be easy to charge for Galaxy AI starting in 2026.
