Samsung is taking a new approach to making its AI-equipped flagship smartphones more accessible. The company plans to cover Galaxy phones under its AI Subscription Club program, allowing consumers to rent the device for a monthly fee rather than purchasing them outright. The Ballie robot will also be available in a subscription model.
Samsung plans AI Subscription Club for Galaxy phones
Launched last month, Samsung’s AI Subscription Club is a rental service designed to lower the entry barrier for customers interested in its cutting-edge products. Currently available in South Korea, the company offers its AI-enabled home appliances for rent for up to 60 months. There are multiple tiers with various perks, including free repairs and care services. The monthly fee depends on the product’s full price and the services you select.
According to the Korean media, Samsung now plans to introduce this initiative to Galaxy phones. AI Subscription Club will be available for phones starting in February, potentially with the Galaxy S25 release. The new flagships go official on January 22, but general sales aren’t expected to begin until February 7. Buyers can walk away with a shiny new flagship at the fraction of its cost.
While Samsung is unlikely to launch AI Subscription Club outside of Korea anytime soon, it may consider it later on. Reports suggest subscriptions accounted for 30% of all home appliances sold in Samsung Store within the first three weeks of launching this initiative. The company sees this as a “good response,” prompting it to introduce the program to phones.
As mentioned above, Samsung will also offer the Ballie robot through AI Subscription Club in its home country. Originally announced in 2020, the ball-shaped three-wheeled robot is your in-house AI companion. It will finally go on sale later this year. The robot will be first available in Korea before expanding to the US. Samsung has yet to disclose its price or share a more specific release date.
