[DigitalToday reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Signs have emerged that Samsung Electronics is considering launching a paid subscription service bundling Galaxy AI features. It may test a subscription model by adding new functions and expanding usage limits for some features, rather than making existing AI features fully paid.

TechRadar reported on Nov. 9 (local time) that Samsung is believed to be preparing a paid plan called "Galaxy AI Premium". Code strings related to the plan were reported to show pricing of $4.99 a month and $47.99 a year. There is also speculation that the initial service could be limited to the Galaxy S27 series.

Three new features are expected to be included in the subscription service. "Gen Video" generates AI videos based on photos. "Bixby Action" was introduced as a function that automates tasks across multiple applications. "Daily Briefing" was also listed, but its specific function has not yet been confirmed.

Existing Galaxy AI features could also be split between free and paid subscriptions depending on usage. Browsing Assist, Now Brief, Creative Studio, Smart Capture, Samsung Keyboard, Photo Assist and Personal Agent could remain free but may have usage limits. The structure would encourage users to subscribe if they want higher usage.

This is drawing attention in light of Samsung’s previous stance. Samsung has said it will continue to provide Galaxy AI functions that come preinstalled on smartphones for free. Basic functions such as Live Translate, Note Assist, Chat Assist, Drawing Assist, AI Select and Audio Eraser are likely to remain free.

Even if the functions remain free, limits on usage could increase the burden users feel. Whether users can freely use basic functions, and whether they need to pay extra to increase usage, are cited as factors that will influence acceptance of the subscription service.

Samsung’s paid AI strategy could develop toward securing subscription revenue centered on new features while differentiating usage of existing functions. If the service is offered starting with the Galaxy S27 series, it could become an opportunity to test an AI monetisation model through the next flagship.

Still, what is known so far is based on observations drawn from code strings and the possibility of early access. Whether it is actually launched, along with pricing, supported devices and usage limits for free features, needs to be confirmed through an official announcement.