Apple is working on plans to monetise Apple Intelligence AI features in the future

Apple's move to a subscription model for certain advanced capabilities within Apple Intelligence follows a broader industry trend of offering premium features for a fee. Image Credit: Apple

Apple is reportedly considering a subscription model for its Apple Intelligence service, which currently offers a variety of AI features for free to owners of the top iPhone 15 models.

As the service expands to include more features and partnerships, some offerings may come with a price tag, according to a new report from Bloomberg.

The report suggests that Apple intends to introduce additional capabilities within Apple Intelligence that would require a subscription fee. This potential subscription model could be integrated into the existing iCloud+ service. The move would mark a shift from the current model, where Apple Intelligence features are provided at no cost.

Currently, Apple offers free and anonymous access to OpenAI's GPT-4 technology through Apple Intelligence, without requiring users to set up a ChatGPT account. Additionally, Apple has an agreement with OpenAI that prevents the use of data from Apple users' queries to train OpenAI's technology. Apple Intelligence can pass queries to ChatGPT if they fall outside the built-in models' parameters, such as requests for specialized knowledge or larger queries not covered by the on-device Large Language Models (LLMs).

Apple is also in discussions with other AI providers to potentially offer more options. These partnerships could lead to pro-level subscriptions for Apple Intelligence users, providing access to advanced AI capabilities from third-party services.

While there is no official timeline for introducing any additional paid features, the report suggests that Apple is likely to wait until more users have iPhones and other devices capable of running Apple Intelligence. This gradual rollout would ensure a larger user base before implementing subscription opportunities.

Apple's move to a subscription model for certain advanced capabilities within Apple Intelligence follows a broader industry trend of offering premium features for a fee. The company is also poised to benefit from the subscriptions it generates for paid levels of OpenAI's ChatGPT and other third-party AI services. This approach aligns with Apple's strategy of integrating high-value services into its ecosystem while maintaining its reputation for privacy and user security.

As Apple continues to expand its AI capabilities, the potential introduction of a subscription model could offer users access to even more sophisticated AI features. This move could enhance the overall user experience, providing advanced tools for those willing to pay for additional functionality. For now, Apple Intelligence remains a free and valuable service for iPhone 15 owners, but its future may include a mix of free and paid offerings as the technology evolves.