Apple Intelligence may have a subscription fee for additional AI features

Early last month, users witnessed Apple announce its very own take on artificial intelligence — Apple Intelligence — at the WWDC 2024. The keynote address mentioned how the brand plans to bring a suite of smarter generative AI features across its devices, beginning from iPhones and iPads to Macs and MacBooks. While supported Apple devices may not get these features until early next year, a Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman suggests that the brand may incorporate a premium tier for its users. Here’s everything we know so far.

Apple Intelligence subscription fee: What's there to know?

Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, mentions that while Apple will make its generative on-device AI features free in the beginning, the company may announce something along the lines of an ‘Apple Intelligence+‘ in the future. This bifurcation will allow subscribing users to have access to more Apple Intelligence features with a recurring monthly fee. The strategy will mirror existing services, such as iCloud, which gives Apple users a free tier to begin with.

ALSO READ: What is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s very own take on AI?

According to Gurman, the decision to have a premium level to Apple Intelligence will allow Apple to ‘diversify its revenue sources’. He also mentions that with AI taking centre stage for several brands and smartphone makers, it has now become crucial for Apple to reduce its dependency on traditional hardware sales and create a steady stream of revenue via its existing ecosystem.

In addition to this, Gurman states that Apple will likely also get a cut each time a user subscribes to features offered by its AI partners, such as ChatGPT. Lastly, he mentions how he expects Apple to agree upon a deal with companies such as Google and Anthropic, and have them offer their AI services through its devices. This announcement, according to him, may not be made public until the brand launches Apple Intelligence in the fall.

Apple Intelligence: Features to look out for

Apple Intelligence will bring in a number of system-wide and app-specific features; some of these would include generative AI-powered writing tools and Smart Reply. Apart from these, the devices will also get Priority Messages, Notifications, Recording, transcribing as well as summarisation features. While it may be challenging to tell which features will eventually be available with a paywall, you can always stay tuned for more updates and developments on Unboxed by Croma.