- Apple is considering a subscription model for its Apple Intelligence features.
- The subscription, potentially around $20/month, may be introduced in a few years.
- Apple will refine AI capabilities and gather user feedback before implementing the fee.
Apple is reportedly exploring the possibility of charging for its advanced AI features under a future subscription model.
This plan, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, would involve a tier named “Apple Intelligence Plus,” potentially costing around $20 per month. Apple intends to develop and enhance its AI features over the next few years before introducing any subscription fees.
Apple’s AI Features May Become a Paid Service
Currently, Apple Intelligence is available at no extra cost with iOS 18, offering a range of AI-powered tools including text and image processing. The initial rollout is designed to gather user feedback and refine the features. The potential subscription model reflects Apple’s broader strategy to shift towards service-based revenue as hardware upgrades slow.
The company introduced Apple Intelligence with iOS 18, integrating new AI capabilities into its operating system. Features include enhanced text generation, summarization, and image editing, alongside a revamped Siri. The initial phase of offering these tools for free allows Apple to gather valuable feedback and make necessary improvements before implementing a paywall.
According to Gurman, the subscription model is not expected to take effect immediately. Apple plans to leverage user feedback and continue enhancing the AI features over the next several years. This approach ensures that when the subscription does launch, it will be based on a mature and refined set of capabilities.
The shift towards a subscription model underscores Apple’s evolving business strategy, focusing on service revenue as a significant growth area. By initially offering these advanced features for free, Apple is positioning itself to better understand user needs and fine-tune its AI offerings, setting the stage for a successful transition to a paid model.
Apple’s potential move to monetize its advanced AI features with a subscription model illustrates a strategic shift towards service revenue, allowing the company to enhance its offerings based on user feedback before introducing any fees.
“Apple intends to develop and enhance its AI features over the next few years before introducing any subscription fees.”
