I can’t convey how much I hate subscriptions and the trend towards everything-as-a-service. Unfortunately, even today’s smartphone AI features aren’t going to be safe from monthly fees. But there’s no way in hell I’m paying for an AI subscription when I’m already paying for everything from YouTube Premium and big-name streaming services to Google One and gaming services.
The AI subscription game is already in full swing in the smartphone arena as Google offers Gemini Advanced for a monthly fee. Meanwhile, Samsung has confirmed that its Galaxy AI features will be free until the end of 2025, when it’s expected to introduce a subscription of some sort. Even Apple doesn’t appear to be safe from the AI subscription trend, as Bloomberg suggested Apple Intelligence could become a paid feature in three years. Count me out.