Last year, Samsung clarified that all Galaxy AI features will be free and that the company would not charge for using them on Galaxy devices. Now, it looks like this is only partially true, and Samsung could charge for some Galaxy AI features after 2026. Samsung has mentioned this in its official terms and conditions on its website. This means not all Galaxy AI features will remain free in the future.
Some Galaxy AI Tools Will Be Charged
Today, when I checked the Galaxy AI features on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, I found in the terms section that Samsung has noted some Galaxy AI features will be charged. It further mentions that basic AI functions will be free, while enhanced AI features may be paid. Yes, we are talking about Samsung’s own Galaxy AI features, not third-party AI tools.
Official Policy Statement from Samsung
Here is the official policy statement on the Samsung website about Galaxy AI terms and conditions:
Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI basic features are those services listed under “Advanced intelligence” in the current Samsung Services Terms and Conditions.
Which Are Basic AI Features
Advanced Intelligence, or basic AI features, refers to those that come under the Galaxy AI section of your device. This means all other AI tools outside the Advanced Intelligence may be offered as paid features after the end of 2026.
Galaxy AI Free until 2026
Furthermore, today Samsung has started a new ‘Galaxy S26 Series Real Review Contest’ in South Korea, where, in the terms and conditions, it again clearly mentions the charges. Here are the terms and conditions for Galaxy S26 Series Galaxy AI features:
“The Galaxy AI features on supported Samsung Galaxy devices will be available for free until the end of 2026, and third-party AI features may be subject to separate terms and conditions.”
Samsung has clearly mentioned that the AI features are free until 2026 and may be subject to charges in 2027.
Basic Galaxy AI and Other AI Features
So, which are those basic Galaxy AI functions and the other AI features on your devices? Here is the list.
Basic AI features (Free)
• Live Translate
• Interpreter
• Chat Assist
• Transcript Assist
• Note Assist
• Writing Assist
• Browsing Assist
• Now Brief
• Photo Assist
Other Galaxy AI Features (Samsung may charge)
• Generative Edit
• AI Photo Assist
• Creative Studio
• Drawing Assist
• AI filters & enhancements
• Now Nudge
• Now Brief
• Upgraded Bixby AI
• Cross-app AI actions
• Audio Eraser
• AI video editing tools
• Real-time translation via Galaxy Buds
• Smart audio enhancement
These are all advanced AI features available on the Galaxy S26 Ultra and other supported devices. The first basic category is free, while for the other categories, Samsung may charge users. This may also apply to upcoming AI tools that Samsung will introduce on future Galaxy devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with the One UI 9 version.
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