Samsung Galaxy Users Might Soon Have To Pay To Use Built-In AI Features

Samsung is purportedly rolling out a subscription-based AI feature set for its Galaxy phones, according to a report from SamMobile. The Galaxy AI Premium Plan introduces several new functionalities, including Bixby Action, Daily Briefing, Gen Video, and Galaxy Claw. While Samsung has yet to officially announce the subscription plan, details in its software, uncovered by SammyGuru, suggest the company is gearing up to charge users for access to these advanced AI tools. Fortunately, Samsung has confirmed that core Galaxy AI features like Live Translate and Writing Assist will remain free to use, with no subscription required.

SamMobile reports that the Galaxy AI Premium Plan will introduce three tier options: Starter, Plus, and Pro. Each tier coincides with a monthly number of available AI credits. While the specifics may change before the official release, the Starter plan is set to offer 10,000 credits, Plus offers 20,000 credits, and Pro offers 50,000 credits. Details on how these credits will be spent remain unclear, and depending on how Samsung weighs usage, customers who frequently use AI features may regularly run into monthly allowances (especially on the Starter plan). 

However, SammyGuru's report speculates on just two tiers, Starter and Max, with the Max plan set at $4.99 a month or $47.99 per year, as outlined in two strings of code found on Samsung servers. As of this writing, Samsung has not officially announced the price and structure of the different subscription tiers.

Starting with arguably one of the more interesting additions to Samsung's AI feature set, Bixby Action expands on existing Bixby functionality. It allows users to automate daily tasks and routines through the AI agent. For example, you could ask it to search for and book a hotel room at a travel destination. Bixby would go through the necessary steps, then provide an overview of the information and let you confirm or change the suggestion. Daily Briefing, which is reportedly separate from Brief Now but does not yet come with a detailed description, presumably provides a detailed breakdown of important info for your review.

Gen Video is similar to Google Photos' Create feature, letting you create video clips from photos you take by adding extra movement and offering an interesting option for content creators. Galaxy Claw also automates daily tasks via Galaxy AI, but how this differs from Bixby Action's capabilities is yet to be seen. Alongside the new features, users who pay for the Galaxy AI Premium Plan will get increased AI usage allowances, with SammyGuru reporting that the increase is four times that of the free plan.

Base Galaxy AI features, including Browsing Assist, Smart Capture, Creative Studio, Personal Agent, Now Brief, Photo Studio, and others, will remain free unless Samsung changes its stance before the official release. Samsung may also be testing one-off credit purchases for users who need more AI allowance but don't want to commit to a monthly or yearly subscription. SamMobile reports these credits will be valid for three years after purchase.

Samsung has not yet announced a release date for the Samsung Galaxy AI Premium plan, but SammyGuru's report suggests it will initially roll out exclusively on the Galaxy S27 models, with wider adoption to follow after an initial test period. The Samsung Galaxy S27, which also lacks an official release date, is rumored to hit the scene in January 2027 (likely at a higher price than we'd like to see). Samsung's premium AI plan may launch alongside its newest flagship handset. 

Samsung's Galaxy AI Premium plan also reportedly has no region blacklist, with support expected for Korea and the US at the very least. Widespread support is possible and would make sense for Samsung, which wants to maximize profitability by reaching as many subscribers as possible. A fair number of people on social media have already expressed disdain for the prospect of a paid AI plan on top of an already expensive mobile phone, though. Users on X have stated, "Even if it would be 1$ per year – I don't want to pay for it." and "Just give me a button to turn all Ai off!"