Samsung Solidifies "Free" Galaxy AI Status
Core Features to Remain Available Forever
Samsung has made significant changes to its Galaxy AI usage policy, finally dispelling user concerns. While the official website previously stated that access to AI features would remain free only until the end of 2025, the wording was revised in early 2026. The company now clearly states: the core Galaxy AI tools developed in-house will be provided free of charge on a permanent basis.
The list of free capabilities includes a whole set of tools already familiar to users. For example, call assistance via Call Assist, various functions for working with text and notes (Writing Assist, Note Assist, Transcript Assist), as well as tools for enhancing photos and audio (Photo Assist, Photo Ambient, Audio Eraser). The list also includes the built-in Interpreter translator, and the virtual assistants Bixby and Browsing Assist. These options are now guaranteed to remain available without any fee, which removes questions about the long-term usability of Samsung Galaxy devices.
At the same time, the company reserves the right to introduce paid subscriptions for new, more advanced AI features that may appear in future updates. Separate terms will also apply to tools from third-party developers — for example, Google's Circle to Search.
Thus, Samsung is building a flexible model: core capabilities remain publicly accessible, while innovative solutions may become subject to additional monetization.
The company's decision is significant in the context of market competition. Against the backdrop of AI tool integration becoming standard for flagship devices, Samsung demonstrates its readiness to retain user loyalty by maintaining free access to key features. This allows owners of compatible smartphones to be confident that their devices will not turn into a "semi-finished product" after any deadline expires, and the core set of AI capabilities will remain functional and relevant in the long term.
Furthermore, Samsung continues to expand its ecosystem through partnerships with other technology leaders. Already in 2026, users will gain the ability to interact with the Google Photos media library directly on their devices, as well as utilize Google's Gemini AI for photo editing and video creation. This functionality will be available not only on smartphones but also on Samsung TVs running the Tizen OS.
Thus, Galaxy AI is gradually transforming from a local set of tools into an open platform, integrating third-party services and expanding the boundaries of the familiar user experience.