Apple is considering offering a monthly subscription plan for advanced features within their AI assistant, Apple Intelligence.
Apple’s AI assistant, currently called Apple Intelligence, will likely be free at first, but reports suggest they might charge for advanced features later on. This would be similar to how iCloud works, with basic options free and extra storage or functionality requiring a monthly subscription.
Analyst Mark Gurman believes Apple sees potential in charging for advanced AI features and software, similar to how they offer paid tiers for iCloud storage. While Apple Intelligence will be free initially, the long-term plan seems to be making money from its capabilities. Gurman adds that Apple might even take a cut from subscriptions to third-party AI tools offered within their platform.
Apple’s consideration of a subscription model for AI hints at their desire to spread their income sources beyond just selling devices. With AI becoming a major player in tech, Apple wants to be a leader. This move wouldn’t just make their products smarter but also create a consistent flow of cash from their growing AI services. In other words, Apple is looking to diversify and profit from the AI boom, lessening its reliance on hardware sales.
Right now, Apple Intelligence, their fancy new AI features, can only be found on the latest iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. While upcoming iPhone 16 models will probably get them too, Apple hasn’t said anything official yet.
Mark Gurman predicts minimal hardware upgrades for the iPhone 16 lineup. This suggests Apple might be prioritizing software and services, potentially using advanced features in Apple Intelligence to set themselves apart in a crowded market. As usual, expect the new iPhones to launch in September 2024.
Also read : Google’s next-gen Pixel phones are on the horizon.
- Focus on Software and Services: Gurman suggests Apple might be prioritizing software features like Apple Intelligence over major hardware upgrades for the iPhone 16. This could indicate a shift in Apple’s strategy, focusing on recurring revenue streams from services and subscriptions rather than just phone sales.
- Apple Intelligence as a Differentiator: With advanced AI features potentially exclusive to newer iPhones, Apple Intelligence could be a selling point for the iPhone 16 lineup, especially if it offers significant benefits over competitors.
