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In a groundbreaking move that underscores its leadership in the smart device market, Samsung plans to introduce a new service allowing customers to rent smartphones and tablets instead of purchasing them. This initiative, part of the "AI Subscription Club" program, is set to debut in South Korea by February 2025, according to the South Korean newspaper ETNews.
The service will focus on the Galaxy series, offering Samsung enthusiasts the chance to upgrade their devices annually through a rental model, eliminating the need for outright purchases. This initiative builds on the success of Samsung's home appliance subscription service, launched in South Korea last year, which achieved over 30% of in-store sales within weeks of its rollout.
The new program is designed to boost demand for Samsung's smart devices by providing flexible and innovative options. While specific Galaxy models available for rental have not been disclosed, the company has confirmed the service will be limited to devices equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
As an added feature, Samsung announced that its AI-powered home robot, "Ballie," will be included in the "AI Subscription Club" program in South Korea. There are also plans to release Ballie in the United States, though outside the subscription system.
This new service is expected to create a sustainable revenue stream for Samsung while strengthening customer loyalty by offering seamless and adaptable solutions tailored to evolving consumer needs.