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Samsung’s Strategic Shift: Introducing Paid AI Features in One UI 9.5
Samsung is reportedly working intensively on One UI 9.5, with early leaks suggesting a significant change in the company’s approach to artificial intelligence in Galaxy phones. If these reports prove accurate, some advanced AI functionalities could become available only through a paid subscription as early as next year.
Galaxy Premium: A New Era for Galaxy AI in One UI 9.5
For several years, Samsung has consistently built its position in the world of artificial intelligence, offering an increasing number of tools without additional charges. However, the company now appears to believe that a foundational set of AI features is sufficient as a free base, and more advanced capabilities are worth bundling into a paid package. Unofficial information indicates that One UI 9.5 will introduce a service called “Galaxy Premium,” which will unlock access to these new AI tools.
Among the rumored premium features are:
- Generating videos based on photos.
- More advanced automations powered by Bixby Action, enhancing cross-device capabilities.
- A daily briefing feature summarizing essential information.
Additionally, the subscription is said to offer higher usage limits for existing AI functions. If a user exhausts their free limit, they would have the option to purchase additional credits to continue using these features. Speculative pricing, which reportedly appeared in the code, suggests approximately $5 per month, with a slightly lower rate for an annual payment.
It’s important to emphasize that core Galaxy AI tools are expected to remain free. Samsung seemingly aims not to alienate users who have grown accustomed to features like photo editing and translations. The paid tier is intended as an expansion of the offering rather than a restriction of current capabilities. For a deeper dive into upcoming changes, explore resources such as Samsung One UI 9 Android 17 Galaxy S26 Ultra Development.
Samsung Is Testing a Galaxy AI Premium Subscription
— One UI by Samsung (@oneuibysamsung) November 9, 2023
The premium subscription seems to be in an early access program. Users will opt in to the program, and test the subscription. The app notes that any funds spent during the test period will be refunded once the program concludes pic.twitter.com/SZiwxzPnBl
DeX Evolves: Towards a True Desktop Experience
In parallel with its AI plans, Samsung is also working on significant enhancements to its DeX mode, which transforms a smartphone into a desktop computing experience. The most notable change is expected to be the introduction of a dedicated web browser for DeX. This browser will function much more like a classic desktop browser, rather than merely mirroring the mobile version, making work on a larger screen significantly more comfortable, especially for users who frequently utilize DeX as a laptop alternative. For more insights into how such multi-window and cross-device functionalities are improving, refer to What is New in One UI 9 Multi-Window AI Cross-Device.
Availability and the Future of Galaxy AI
These changes in One UI 9.5 are expected to debut first on the flagship Galaxy S27 series, scheduled for release early next year. Evidence of beta testing suggests that development is well underway. Time will tell whether users will embrace the paid subscription for advanced features or opt to stick with the free functionalities. One thing is clear: Samsung is explicitly altering its strategy, moving away from treating all new AI innovations as immediately available standard features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, the current understanding from leaked information suggests that basic and core Galaxy AI features, such as photo editing and translation functionalities, are expected to remain free. The “Galaxy Premium” subscription is designed to offer access to *new* and *more advanced* AI capabilities, along with higher usage limits for some existing features, rather than making currently free features paid.
Source: Sammy Fans, original research. Opening photo: Jolanta Szczepaniak / Androidcompl.
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