Apple's AI Features to Remain Free Until 2027: What It Means for Users

Apple intelegent features

Apple’s AI Features Likely Free Until 2027: What to Expect and Why

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s AI capabilities, known as Apple Intelligence, are unlikely to see a paid model before at least 2027. In this week's Power On newsletter, Gurman explained that Apple’s AI features are still in their infancy, and it might take up to three years—or even longer—to develop a feature set compelling enough to justify a subscription fee.

Gurman suggested that Apple's long-term strategy might involve a premium version, tentatively named Apple Intelligence+, which would offer advanced features for a monthly fee. This approach mirrors Apple’s current tiered subscription model for iCloud. For example, iCloud provides 5GB of free storage, but users can subscribe to iCloud+ for additional storage and features like iCloud Private Relay.

Similarly, Apple could keep basic Apple Intelligence features free while offering a subscription for enhanced functionalities. This model aligns with how other companies, such as OpenAI, monetize AI services after a certain free usage limit due to the significant computing resources involved.

Currently, the initial features of Apple Intelligence are available in the betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. These include improved Writing Tools, enhanced Siri capabilities, smart replies in Messages and Mail, and a new Memory Maker option in Photos. However, more advanced features like Image Playground, Genmoji, and additional Siri upgrades are expected to roll out in 2024 and 2025.

Apple is also working on expanding these features to more regions, including China and the European Union. Given the scope of this expansion and the development timeline, a fully robust Apple Intelligence product may not materialize until 2027 or beyond.

For context, Apple’s Emergency SOS via satellite feature, introduced with the iPhone 14 in 2022, is set to become a paid service by 2025. Though the exact fee has not been announced, it serves as a reference for how Apple may eventually price Apple Intelligence.

When Apple does start charging for its AI features, it could integrate them into existing plans like iCloud+ or Apple One. Analyst Neil Shah from Counterpoint Research speculates that the fee could range from $10 to $20 per month, potentially bundled with the Apple One subscription, which currently costs $19.95 per month and includes iCloud+ storage, Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. 

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