Recently, Samsung announced the launch of its "AI Subscription Club," a program that allows users to rent the latest AI devices for a monthly fee. This new model is somewhat similar to car rentals, but instead of luxury cars, users are renting the latest Galaxy smartphones and even the AI companion robot Ballie, which was just showcased at CES.
The original intention of this subscription plan is to enable more consumers to experience cutting-edge technology at a lower cost. With a monthly fee, users can continuously access the latest devices, while Samsung benefits from a stable cash flow, which is advantageous for both parties. However, whether this plan can be successfully promoted remains to be seen, especially regarding pricing. If the subscription fees are similar to traditional financing options or carrier upgrades, it may seem unappealing. Additionally, many people still prefer to own their devices rather than rent them.
Although the name "AI Subscription Club" might lead one to believe it primarily offers software features, in reality, Samsung's initiative mainly focuses on hardware rentals. Currently, Galaxy AI tools are still available for free. Through this model, users can experience devices such as smartphones, tablets, and robots without worrying about the depreciation of older devices. If users develop an interest in new devices, the likelihood of future purchases will also increase significantly.
It is worth noting that Samsung is not starting from scratch with this plan. As early as last year, Samsung launched a similar appliance rental service in South Korea, allowing consumers to rent AI washing machines, refrigerators, and televisions, which included maintenance services. Expanding this model to smartphones and other AI devices is a natural progression, but whether its appeal can be sustained will take time to verify.
The subscription model has also sparked an interesting discussion: Are we moving towards a world where we no longer own our technological products? From smartphones to home appliances, everything could become a "service-based" consumption model, which is exciting for some and seems somewhat dystopian for others.
Currently, the "AI Subscription Club" has only been launched in South Korea, and Samsung has not confirmed whether it will be promoted globally. However, if this model proves successful, the likelihood of it being introduced in other markets is very high. The upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event may also bring more attention to this plan with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series.
