Samsung to Launch New Smartphone Subscription Service Next Month

Samsung Electronics is gearing up to introduce a new subscription service next month. Han Jong-hee, the company’s vice chair, confirmed for Electronic Times that the AI Subscription Club, which initially covered only home appliances like AI-powered TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines in South Korea, will now extend to Galaxy smartphones and the Ballie AI robot.

Samsung plans to debut the subscription service for Galaxy smartphones starting from next month.

The Ballie AI robot, also included in this plan, will first be available in Korea and the US, with a subscription model set to roll out in Korea.

This move allows users to enjoy a lower upfront cost while benefiting from services like optional repair and maintenance.

It’s important to note that Galaxy AI features on Samsung’s devices will remain free for users until at least the end of 2025, as the company has not yet confirmed plans beyond that.

The future of the subscription model, whether it will move beyond South Korea, remains a topic of speculation.

More details are expected at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose, California, on January 22nd, where the Galaxy S25 series is anticipated to be unveiled.