Samsung made a splash last month with the reveal of its new Galaxy S24 lineup, touting the phone’s robust set of AI features for everything from translating conversations to removing objects from photos. However, the company glossed over one key detail in its glitzy launch event: those nifty new capabilities might actually cost you extra down the road.

As spotted by Android Central, Samsung has subtly left the door open to monetizing the Galaxy S24’s AI offerings in the future. Buried in the fine print on the Galaxy S24 Ultra product page is an ominous footnote stating that “Galaxy AI features by Samsung will be provided for free until the end of 2025 on supported Samsung Galaxy devices.” The disclaimer goes on to note that “different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties.”

Samsung US mobile chief Drew Blackard would only say “We are committed to making Galaxy AI features available to as many of our users as possible. We will not be considering any changes to that direction before the end of 2025.” So while the AI party train will keep rolling for existing device owners over the next couple of years, it seems eventual paid upgrades or subscriptions are on the table.

This bait-and-switch approach shouldn’t come as a total shock, given the substantial computing resources and ongoing costs required to deliver said AI capabilities. With many of the S24’s touted features enabled by Google Cloud, Samsung and its partners have a significant financial incentive to recoup expenses down the line. And manufacturers have already shown a willingness to explore subscription add-ons to augment hardware revenue.

Nonetheless, this introduces thorny new complexities to the consumer calculus around smartphone purchases. We’re already dealing with a confusing maze of device payment plans and carrier subsidies. Now, AI feature access could become the latest annoying line item tacked onto your wireless bill.

Samsung mobile president TM Roh has hinted that more advanced AI could warrant fees in the future. But for now, the S24’s AI roster seems more sizzle than steak. Translation, photo tweaking and other promised enhancements haven’t moved the needle much in practical terms up to this point. Before Samsung can get away with charging extra, they’ll need to prove these AI capabilities are really worth shelling out for month after month.

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So Galaxy S24 buyers can enjoy the new AI flourishes without added fees for the next couple of years. But don’t be surprised if Samsung eventually hands you the bill for all its artificial intelligence ambitions. The free lunch never lasts forever.