Samsung to Introduce Paid AI Subscription for Galaxy AI Features

Samsung appears ready to expand its AI Subscription Club to Galaxy smartphones and its upcoming Ballie AI robot. This move follows the subscription model the company launched in December for AI-powered home appliances in South Korea, offering consumers a lower upfront cost with monthly payments.

According to a report by ETNews, Samsung Electronics vice chair Han Jong-hee confirmed that the AI subscription service would begin rolling out to Galaxy smartphones next month. The upcoming Ballie AI robot, first revealed five years ago, will also launch as part of the subscription service in South Korea and the United States.

Han clarified that subscribing to the service will not be mandatory to access the Galaxy AI features. Samsung has committed to keeping these features free for all users until the end of 2025, with plans beyond that still uncertain.

How it Works

The AI Subscription Club currently allows South Korean consumers to subscribe to AI-powered home appliances, including TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. Subscribers enjoy optional repair and maintenance services in exchange for a lower initial purchase cost. It remains unclear how the subscription model will work for smartphones and Ballie, but it may offer similar benefits, such as device maintenance or advanced AI features.

Samsung has not yet announced whether the AI Subscription Club will expand beyond South Korea for smartphones or Ballie. However, the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22 in San Jose, California, could provide more details. At the event, Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 series, possibly hinting at how the subscription model will integrate with its flagship devices.