(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Your recent Samsung phone or tablet is likely equipped with many AI-powered features, and the brand has confirmed it intends to continue offering them for free.
The initial introduction of Samsung Galaxy AI saw the brand include a footnote that it may eventually choose to charge for access to select AI features. It said, “Use of AI features is complimentary through 2025,” indicating that you may need to pay for access eventually.
As spotted by Reddit user FragmentedChicken and reported by Android Authority, Samsung’s website has now been updated. It appears that the change occurred after Jan. 1, 2026. The new wording says, “Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free.”
That includes Audio Eraser, Bixby, Browsing Assist, Call Assist, Drawing Assist, Health Assist, Interpreter, Note Assist, Now Brief, Photo Ambient, Photo Assist, Transcript Assist, and Writing Assist. We know the names of the AI features as they're outlined in Samsung's terms and conditions under the section titled Advanced intelligence.
That’s most of the AI features on your Samsung phone, but it doesn’t include any provided by third-party services, such as tools from Google’s Gemini platform.
Samsung cannot confirm that these will remain free forever, as access is dependent on a third party; however, there’s currently no indication that Google will charge for its tools. It says, “Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.”
This also doesn’t mean all future Galaxy AI features will launch for free. The brand is keeping the ability to charge for what it calls “enhanced features or new services” in future releases. It states that it “may” charge for access.
The next major test is the Samsung Galaxy S26 launch, which is rumored to take place on Feb. 25. If true, we may hear about premium Galaxy AI features during its next Unpacked event.
A Samsung representative confirmed in July that the company didn't intend to charge for features "provided by default," but this is the first time it has updated its wording in official materials to reflect the new stance. It's also the first time Samsung has specifically listed each Galaxy AI feature it intends to continue offering for free.