Samsung has recently rolled out the One UI 6.1 update to U.S. users, following its initial release in Korea. This update brings a range of Galaxy AI features to older Galaxy phone users, including the Galaxy S22 series, Flip 4, Fold 4, and Tab S8 devices. The update will provide users with a suite of AI features that were previously exclusive to the Galaxy S24, such as Circle to Search, Chat Assist, Interpreter, Live Translate, and AI-Generated Wallpaper.
While Samsung has extended these Galaxy AI features to phones that are up to three years old, it has also clarified that older devices like the Galaxy S21 series, Flip 3, and Fold 3 will only receive two Galaxy AI features: Circle to Search and Chat Assist. This suggests that Samsung may limit the availability of these features to older phones due to performance and support reasons. Additionally, Samsung has hinted that these Galaxy AI features will only be free until the end of 2025, leaving the possibility open for the company to charge for their use in the future.
It is speculated that Google-powered AI features, like Circle to Search, will likely remain free as they are based on Google’s technology. Google has a history of updating older Pixel phones with new AI features for free, indicating that a sudden move to charging for these features is unlikely. However, with Samsung hinting at the potential for a subscription model for Galaxy AI features, there is uncertainty about the long-term availability and pricing of these tools.
With the One UI 6.1 update, Samsung is enhancing the value of its older handsets and providing users with a reason to consider upgrading to newer models such as the S22 or S23. This update also raises questions about the future of Android updates on older phones, as Samsung may introduce subscription-based options for AI features even after devices are outside of their official update window. Users will have to wait and see how Samsung’s plans evolve as the free access to Galaxy AI features approaches its deadline in 2025.
