TLDR: Samsung has announced its commitment to making Galaxy AI features freely accessible to users in India, focusing on mass adoption rather than immediate monetization. The company is investing heavily in retail experiences and training to ensure consumers can experience AI capabilities firsthand.
Samsung has officially stated that it will not be charging users for its advanced Galaxy AI features in the immediate future, particularly in the Indian market. The tech giant’s primary objective is to drive widespread adoption of its artificial intelligence capabilities across its diverse range of devices, including smartphones and tablets. This strategy underscores a consumer-first approach, aiming to integrate AI seamlessly into the daily lives of millions of users before considering any monetization.
Aditya Babbar, Vice President, MX Business, Samsung India, articulated this vision, stating, “Adoption of technology is the primary goal… I don’t see monetisation happening in recent time. Our focus is more on the adoption side. But we continue to closely monitor this, and we will go as per the industry trends.” This statement highlights Samsung’s strategic decision to prioritize accessibility and scale, making sophisticated AI tools available to a broad user base. The company’s recent success, exemplified by the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which garnered a record-breaking 2,10,000 pre-bookings in India, further supports this push for widespread integration.
To facilitate this mass adoption, Samsung has made significant investments in enhancing its retail experiences across India. The company has established over 20,000 AI-enabled experience zones, allowing consumers to interact with and test Galaxy AI features in real-world scenarios. These zones are equipped with in-store Wi-Fi setups, ensuring a consistent experience even in areas with unreliable internet connectivity. Babbar emphasized the importance of this hands-on approach, noting, “The moment of truth happens to be a very, very important belief for the consumer.” Furthermore, Samsung has extensively trained its staff, equipping them with the knowledge to demonstrate how AI enriches everyday experiences, moving beyond mere hardware specifications. This intensive strategy is particularly crucial as the festive season approaches, with Samsung doubling down on its efforts to provide immersive AI demonstrations.
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While Samsung has confirmed that Galaxy AI features will remain free for now, discussions within the industry and previous reports have hinted at a more nuanced long-term strategy. Some reports from July 2025 suggested that while “basic” or “default” AI features would remain free, premium or third-party AI functionalities might eventually incur charges after 2025. However, for the current period, Samsung’s unwavering focus in India is on ensuring that its innovative AI platform reaches as many users as possible, solidifying its ecosystem with AI-driven experiences.
