Samsung's 'default' Galaxy AI features will remain free indefinitely — here's what you need to know

Galaxy S25 Edge vs Galaxy S25 Ultra. — (Image credit: Tom's Guide / John Velasco)

Samsung has shut down the lingering rumors that it was going to start charging users for the Galaxy AI features it launched alongside the Galaxy S25 series last year. In a report from Android Police, the site says it has direct confirmation from Samsung that default features will remain free "indefinitely".

Earlier in the year there was some heavy speculation Samsung would put Galaxy AI behind a paywall after it stated Galaxy AI would be "provided for free until the end of 2025."

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Samsung users are also able to access Google's Gemini features for free — and anyone upgrading to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Z Flip 7 will receive a six month Google AI Pro subscription for free. That gets them access to advanced features like Veo 3 Fast.

Lingering questions

Samsung Galaxy S24 in store with Galaxy AI sign in background — (Image credit: Getty Images)

The fact Samsung is making these features available for free, indefinitely, is obviously good news. But it does leave a lingering question about whether Samsung may develop better, non-default AI features down the road and charge for that.

This could be a single paywall or a tiered system similar to what Google does with its Pro and Ultra plans. The pace (and cost) of AI is not going to slow down any time soon and Samsung faces tough competition in the space from Google, Meta and Microsoft. If this does prove to be the case, time will tell whether or not Samsung has the goodwill to upsell users from free features to paid-for alternatives.

Alternatively, this could be the start of something very good for Samsung owners if the company continues to keep handing out its AI developments as freebies. Especially since it just launched a whole set of great new AI features earlier this year alongside the S25.

If you're a Samsung owner and new to Galaxy AI, then check out these tips for getting started.

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Jeff is UK Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide looking after the day-to-day output of the site’s British contingent.

A tech journalist for over a decade, he’s travelled the world testing any gadget he can get his hands on. Jeff has a keen interest in fitness and wearables as well as the latest tablets and laptops.

A lapsed gamer, he fondly remembers the days when technical problems were solved by taking out the cartridge and blowing out the dust.

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