Samsung is rolling out a smartphone subscription next month

It looks like Samsung is finally ready to launch paid subscriptions for its AI-powered smartphones, but it might not be what we were expecting.

According to ET NewsSamsung Electronics Vice Chairman Han Jeong-hee said that the company’s AI subscription club will Released in December last year It will soon be rolled out to some of Samsung’s home appliances in South Korea, both on Galaxy phones and the upcoming Bally AI robot.

“Starting next month, we will also apply the subscription service to Galaxy smartphones,” he said. “Ballie will be introduced first in South Korea and the United States, and will be available as a subscription in South Korea.”

AI Subscription Club is not a requirement to access Galaxy AI features on Samsung phones or other devices. Samsung has previously said the feature will remain free to users until at least the end of 2025, with plans beyond that unconfirmed.

This model now allows Korean consumers to sign up for monthly subscriptions for AI-powered TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, etc., including optional repair and maintenance services, for lower initial costs. Ta.

It’s unclear whether the subscription model will expand beyond South Korea, but more details may emerge soon. Samsung has scheduled a Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose on January 22nd, where it will announce the Galaxy S25 series.