Samsung has quietly put an end to months of speculation around the future of Galaxy AI. After earlier hinting that its AI-powered features might move behind a paywall after 2025, the South Korean tech giant has now clarified that basic Galaxy AI features will remain free permanently for users of eligible Galaxy smartphones.
The confirmation comes through an updated footnote on Samsung’s official website, rather than a headline announcement, but its implications are significant for millions of users worldwide.
Samsung Updates Galaxy AI Policy
Samsung has revised the language around Galaxy AI availability, clearly stating that users will not be required to pay for core AI features. According to the updated note, the company says:
This marks a notable shift from Samsung’s earlier messaging. Previously, the company stated that Galaxy AI features would be complimentary only through 2025, after which users might need to purchase access depending on region, app, or feature availability.
That earlier disclaimer was still visible on archived versions of Samsung’s Galaxy AI webpage as recently as January 1, 2026, which is why confusion persisted among users. The latest update finally clears the air.
What This Means for Galaxy Users
For Galaxy flagship users, the clarification brings peace of mind. Samsung is now explicitly committing to keeping its core, in-house AI tools free, ensuring that essential AI experiences remain part of the standard Galaxy ecosystem rather than a premium add-on.
However, Samsung has also left the door open for future monetisation. While basic features will remain free, the company notes that advanced or newly introduced AI capabilities could be offered under a paid tier. Additionally, AI features powered by third-party partners may follow different pricing or usage terms.
At this stage, Samsung has not confirmed which future features, if any, could require payment.
Which Galaxy AI Features Are Free?
Samsung defines “basic Galaxy AI features” under the Advanced Intelligence section of its Samsung Services Terms and Conditions. These currently include a wide range of widely used tools, such as:
Call Assist
Writing Assist
Photo Assist
Interpreter
Note Assist
Transcript Assist
Browsing Assist
Photo Ambient
Drawing Assist
Bixby
Health Assist
Now Brief
Audio Eraser
Some of these features require users to sign in with a Samsung account, but there is no subscription fee involved. These tools form the backbone of Galaxy AI and are integrated across multiple apps and system-level experiences.
A Big Win for Samsung’s AI Strategy
Samsung first introduced Galaxy AI with the Galaxy S24 series in January 2024, positioning it as a major selling point. Features such as real-time call translation, generative photo editing, and smart writing tools helped Samsung stand out in an increasingly competitive smartphone market.
Since then, Galaxy AI has expanded beyond the S24 lineup to older Galaxy S series devices, foldables, and Fan Edition models. Keeping these features free strengthens Samsung’s value proposition, especially at a time when several competitors are experimenting with subscription-based AI services.
By guaranteeing free access to essential AI tools, Samsung ensures broader adoption while maintaining flexibility to monetise premium innovations later
Why Samsung Likely Changed Course
The decision may be driven by user sentiment and market pressure. AI is quickly becoming a core smartphone feature rather than an optional extra. Charging for basic functionality could have alienated users, especially when rival brands continue to bundle similar tools at no additional cost.
Samsung’s revised policy allows it to balance user trust with future revenue opportunities, reserving paid tiers for high-end, resource-intensive, or enterprise-focused AI services.
Looking Ahead
For now, Galaxy users can continue using Samsung’s AI features without worrying about sudden subscription prompts. While future Galaxy AI enhancements may carry a price tag, the foundation of the platform will re
main free.
As Samsung prepares for upcoming launches, including the Galaxy S26 series and potential hardware upgrades like faster charging, Galaxy AI’s free status ensures that AI remains a standard part of the Galaxy experience—not a luxury.
In an era where AI is rapidly becoming central to everyday smartphone use, Samsung’s clarification sends a clear message: basic intelligence comes included.