Artificial Intelligence on iPhones Will Not Be Free
Apple is introducing the “iOS 18” operating system later this year, which offers artificial intelligence in a new avatar promising privacy and on-device security.
Apple showcased its AI plans at the “WWDC 2024” conference, which will be available in some form with the launch of the “iPhone 16” series.
The company mentioned that you will need an “iPhone 16 Pro” model or higher to use its “Apple Intelligence” technology features, which most users interpreted as an announcement that these features would be available for free.
Paid Monthly Model
Before AI features make their way to devices, a new report suggests that Apple may consider offering premium subscription models to customers.
Apple might launch something like “Apple Intelligence Plus” with additional features for which users will pay a monthly fee.
The “A-series” chipset will power this AI technology to ensure the continuity and security of these features.
Apple sees iPhone upgrades as a clear gateway to attracting more people to its AI world, and consequently more revenue.
However, the company knows that users will not buy iPhones every year, so the best way to maintain profits is to launch a premium monthly model like “Apple TV+” and “Apple Music,” which users pay to access.
These paid services will entice Apple to continue innovating and adding new layers of features that keep competitors on their toes and users continually subscribed.
It Won’t Be the Only One
Despite these reports, Apple continues to affirm that standard AI features will be available for free to those using a compatible device, but it has not mentioned the additional features.
Notably, only the new iPhones will support “Apple Intelligence” at launch.
AI features may be extended to older devices using Private Cloud Compute, the company’s cloud servers for running AI computing, which was also announced at WWDC this year.
It is worth noting that Apple is not the only company possibly considering a paid model for new AI features.
Fine print on Samsung’s website for “Galaxy AI” indicates that features will be available for free until the end of 2025, suggesting a potential paid version in the future.
Regardless, we expect to learn more about new AI features from Apple, Samsung, and Google in the coming months.
