Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) system, called Apple Intelligence, is set to launch later this year as a part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. There’s been significant speculation about the potential costs of accessing its advanced features. Analysts predict Apple might charge users up to $20 monthly for these high-end AI capabilities. This possibility is based on Apple’s successful track record of monetizing premium services through its Apple One subscription, which currently costs $19.95 monthly and includes services like Apple Music and Apple TV+.
Apple Intelligence is set to bring several enhancements, including a more powerful Siri voice assistant and the ability to generate emails and images automatically. However, these features will be rolled out gradually, with some regions, such as China and Europe, initially missing out. Analysts believe that Apple could bundle its AI features into the Apple One subscription, potentially as part of a new, more expensive tier. This would align with Apple’s broader strategy of monetizing its services, a key revenue stream for the tech giant. In the June quarter alone, Apple’s services division brought in $24.2 billion, highlighting the importance of this segment to its overall business.
The idea of charging for AI features is not new in the tech industry. Companies like OpenAI and Microsoft have already implemented subscription fees for their advanced AI tools, such as ChatGPT and the AI Copilot tool. Apple could follow a similar path, offering basic AI features for free while reserving more advanced capabilities for paying subscribers, ensuring that only those who truly need the premium options would opt to pay.
This approach would allow Apple to recoup the significant costs associated with developing and maintaining its AI infrastructure, which includes building its own AI servers using the M2 Ultra chip and potentially developing an AI server processor by 2025.
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