With the introduction of Apple Intelligence, Apple marked a turning point on its path to having artificial intelligence in devices that is much more competent than the current Siri. A function that will arrive in autumn to our iPhones, iPads and Macs. Although there is one exception: if you are in Spain, or in the European Union in general, you will not be able to use these functions when they are launched.
Apple Intelligence is now available for testing thanks to the launch of iOS 18.1 in its first beta, which surprised us by being able to use it in Spain through a Mac. Something that raised many doubts. But it has also raised many doubts about whether these features will be available in the future. It may become a paid option or will remain a free feature.
Apple Intelligence shows no evidence of subscription service (yet)
By now we’ve become accustomed to the fact that it’s rare for a big company to offer something for free. In the field of artificial intelligence, they’re not far behind. Companies like OpenAI offer paid plans to enjoy all their AI features, as does Google with Gemini Pro. But… will Apple Intelligence also have subscription programs?
We know that the Services side of things is doing really well for Apple in its quarterly results. Payment for iCloud or Apple Music is very profitable, and this suggests that Apple Intelligence can also become a subscription service. Although this possibility has not been mentioned in either its presentation or in subsequent reports, at least in the short term.
And although a priori it may be a strategy in line with Apple to obtain a greater economic return, even only for the most advanced functions, the report Bloomberg Power On suggests that this will not be possible. At least until 2027 we will see this feature become completely free, starting with a set of basic skills for use in native applications.
Starting this year, everything could end up changing and Apple could choose to integrate it into a subscription with its most advanced features, just like it does with iCloud+ or Apple TV+. Analysts are even pointing to a subscription price of $20 a month for these advanced tools in specific sectors that require the power of the Apple cloud.
But for now we are left with the fact that this will be a free product and that it is just starting out. The biggest problem we are facing right now is not its price, but the impossibility of being able to prove it from many countries due to strict European legislation.