Many companies are rapidly developing artificial intelligence features, even those that may be unexpected. However, the challenge lies in monetizing these features. Companies are exploring options such as ads, data collection, or direct-to-consumer subscriptions to make a profit off their investments in AI research and development.
When purchasing top smartphones, customers receive a plethora of AI features included in the phone’s price. Currently, these features are provided for free, but there are hints that major smartphone brands like Samsung, Nothing, and Apple may eventually move towards locking mobile AI tools behind a paywall.
It seems inevitable that leading smartphone brands will start charging a subscription fee for AI features, but it remains unclear whether customers will be willing to pay for services like Apple Intelligence, Galaxy AI, or Essential Space.
Testing various mobile AI suites has shown that they offer useful features. For example, Nothing’s Essential Space on the Nothing Phone 3a and 3a Pro is a favored AI feature. However, it is currently offered for free, and the potential shift to a paid subscription model could alter the value proposition.
Google stands out as a company capable of offering an AI subscription service, exemplified by Google One AI Premium. With a monthly cost of $20, this subscription provides a range of mobile and desktop AI features along with additional perks.
Google One AI Premium offers a balance of mobile AI features, desktop AI features, and other benefits like Gemini Advanced and Gemini Live. This subscription extends across various devices and platforms, making it a more comprehensive and valuable option compared to individual AI subscriptions for smartphones.
Ultimately, until companies like Apple, Google, or Nothing can provide a similar multi-device experience with their AI features, it may be premature for them to implement paywalls for these services.