Apple Intelligence is one of the most exciting updates to Apple’s software in years, bringing a raft of AI features to your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. But it may come with a price tag – at least eventually.
We recently heard from an analyst that Apple may start charging $20 per month for some Apple Intelligence features. However, another reliable Apple watcher claims that these paid features are likely to be years away.
Mark Gurman writes in his Power On Newsletter for Bloomberg (via Apple Insider), has claimed that Apple likely won’t charge for this first wave of Apple Intelligence features. However, he adds that we could eventually see more advanced features that Apple can justify paying for.
Three years of free features
But Gurman says those more advanced features are likely to be at least three years away. That means Apple device users won’t have to pay for Apple Intelligence until 2027.
But even then, the existing suite of Apple Intelligence features will likely remain free, so you’ll likely be able to use many of Apple’s AI solutions without ever having to sign up for a subscription.
Gurman wouldn’t say what the more advanced, paid features might be, but Apple Insider suspects they’re aimed at business, education or power users, in which case they might be things the average person doesn’t want or need anyway.
As for the first wave of Apple Intelligence features, they’re expected to be available in or around October — shortly after the iPhone 16 line launches — and will include a major upgrade to Siri to make it smarter and more conversational, along with generative AI tools for things like image creation and editing, writing, and organization.
So we don’t have much longer to wait, with more features expected to roll out later this year and into early 2025, including ChatGPT integration. By then, we should have a better idea of what features Apple might want to charge users for.