Key Highlights:
- Apple may charge up to $20 in the USA or Rs 1,500 in India for Apple AI subscription per month for advanced AI features on its devices.
- The premium pricing aligns with Apple’s tradition of offering high-quality, privacy-focused services.
- The introduction of AI-powered features will start with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, with potential fees emerging by 2027.
Apple’s reputation for premium products is about to get another layer of exclusivity. As the tech giant gears up to launch its AI features with iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia later this year, reports suggest that Apple could soon be asking for a cool $20 a month from its users. Yes, you read that right—$20. That’s not just a price tag; it’s a statement.
But why would Apple, known for its high price points and devoted fanbase, slap another fee on its already pricey devices? Let’s break it down.
In This Article
The Cost of Cutting-Edge AI
Developing artificial intelligence isn’t cheap. The infrastructure, the expertise, the research—it’s a colossal investment. Analysts believe that Apple, just like its competitors, will need to recoup these costs somehow. And what’s a more Apple-esque way to do that than through a monthly subscription?
Sure, other tech giants like Google and OpenAI already have their AI subscription models, but Apple’s approach will likely emphasize privacy and seamless integration. Think of it as paying for an AI butler who not only organizes your emails and generates images but also keeps your data under lock and key—right on your device, not floating around in the cloud.
Read Also: Here’s why Apple may have to reduce its app fees
Apple’s Premium Play
Apple’s AI ambitions are as lofty as its prices. The company isn’t just rolling out basic features; it’s planning a full-blown AI ecosystem that promises to reboot Siri into a formidable competitor against the likes of ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. This transformation won’t just be a minor upgrade; it’s a complete overhaul that will demand significant resources, hence the premium pricing.
Moreover, Apple’s AI features are expected to evolve, becoming more advanced and specialized. This trajectory aligns with the company’s strategy of offering top-tier services at a premium. As Apple continues to refine and expand its AI capabilities, the likelihood of additional features—and additional fees—only increases.
Apple AI Subscription for the Future
While the idea of forking out Apple AI subscription at $20 a month might seem steep, consider this: Apple’s AI features will likely start rolling out without a price tag, giving users a taste of what’s to come. But by 2027, when these features are fully baked and indispensable, that subscription fee might not just feel reasonable—it might feel necessary.
And let’s be honest, Apple has trained its customers well. The introduction of services like Apple TV+ and iCloud+ shows that Apple knows how to monetize its ecosystem. Charging for advanced AI features will be a natural extension of this strategy, targeting not just individual users but also professionals and enterprises who can’t afford to miss out on the cutting-edge tech that Apple’s AI promises to deliver.
Read Also: Here’s why Apple may have to reduce its app fees
The Bottom Line
Apple I subscription will cost $20 a month in USA or Rs 1,500 in India for its AI features might seem audacious, but in the world of high-end tech, it’s just par for the course. As AI becomes more integrated into our daily lives, paying a premium for a superior, privacy-focused experience will likely be something many Apple users are more than willing to do. After all, when has Apple ever shied away from pushing the envelope—and its prices?
