Subscription Fatigue: AI Phone Features Will Soon Cost Us Money. Why I’m Not Convinced

Over the past year and a half, phone makers like Google, Apple, and Samsung have found countless ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into their mobile offerings. Google has incorporated its Gemini AI tool into everything from To inform to Photos. Apple debuted its suite of Apple Intelligence features, including smarter Siri and ChatGPT integration. And Samsung announced Galaxy AI, its family of features for simplifying tasks like image editing and message translation.

But for all the flashy announcements and promises about how AI can improve your mobile experience, there’s a catch: You’ll eventually have to pay for these features if you want to keep using them.

On his websiteSamsung says its Galaxy AI features will be “offered for free on supported Samsung Galaxy devices through the end of 2025.” Apple plans to eventually charge for some of its AI-powered iPhone features, it said. Bloomberg’s Mark GurmanTo harness the full power of Gemini in Google’s apps, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription fee (though Pixel owners get access to photo AI features like Magic Editor for free).

All of this is happening at a time when subscription fatigue is at an all-time high. An April CNET survey found that U.S. adults spend an average of $91 per month on subscription services. Two-thirds of respondents said at least one of their subscriptions had increased in price in the past year. That burnout has led many to unplug from multiple services; in fact, about a quarter of U.S. subscribers have canceled three or more streaming services in the past two years, The New York Times reports.

For many, myself included, paying yet another monthly fee just doesn’t appeal. Between the many subscriptions I already pay for streaming, cloud storage, and delivery services, the last thing I’m inclined to do is sign up for yet another recurring expense — especially for flashy AI features I’m not yet convinced I need.

Also see: Sorry, iPhone Users: The Galaxy Ring Isn’t Working for You. Why That’s a Bug

For example, tools like Sketch to Image on the latest Galaxy S phones are impressive, but how often do I really want to turn a drawing into an image? Using Galaxy AI, Gemini, or Apple Intelligence to compose a message might be useful for some, but I’ve always been fine writing text myself – it feels more authentic that way. And as much as I’d like to see smart assistants like Siri become more sophisticated, I’ll accept a lesser experience if it means I don’t have to pay to ask about the weather.

Tech companies now spend a large portion of their events touting the many new AI compatibilities powering their devices and features. But each keynote leaves me feeling more blasé about the promises of the emerging technology. Do I really need an AI assistant when I’m composing an email or making a grocery list on my phone?

And while the focus of Apple’s recent Worldwide Developers Conference was on the arrival of Apple Intelligence, I don’t feel compelled to upgrade my iPhone 14 Pro to a newer device just to gain access to AI features. As long as I can take quality photos and video, text my friends, and scroll through my favorite social media sites, I’m happy. I’m also certainly not at a point where I’m willing to pay to get an AI boost on my iPhone or MacBook; for me they work fine without all that hassle.

With subscription fatigue in full swing, it’s at least fortunate that Samsung has opted not to charge a monthly fee for its new Galaxy Ring health wearable (though that $400 starting price does mean you’re paying a pretty penny up front). But I’d hope more companies are paying attention to our collective exhaustion, especially amid rising prices, including for gadgets. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, for example, got a $100 price bump over last year’s models, as did the iPhone 15 Pro Max, thanks to Apple ditching the cheaper 128GB storage option. That much is already on the high end of people’s price range. Charging an extra monthly fee on top of the myriad other costs that come with owning a smartphone just adds fuel to the fire.

Until there’s a more practical and justifiable use for AI features on our handsets, I’m content to bypass the latest futuristic features, along with the associated subscription fees. I’d rather keep that money in my pocket – or, more likely, use it to pay yet another subscription fee that will surely come up.