As of now, Amazon has maintained its annual Prime membership fee at $139 in the U.S. There has been no official announcement regarding a potential increase to $179. It's important for consumers to stay informed about any changes in pricing, especially as subscription services often adjust their fees based on various factors such as increased operational costs or enhanced service offerings.

Historically, Amazon has adjusted its Prime membership fees periodically. For instance, in April 2018, the annual fee was raised from $99 to $119, and again in February 2022, it increased to the current price of $139. This pattern indicates that while prices can change, Amazon typically communicates any adjustments well in advance.

To stay updated on any future changes to the Prime membership fee, customers should regularly check Amazon's official Prime page. Amazon usually announces such updates through their website, press releases, and newsletters sent to Prime members. For instance, when the fee was raised in 2022, the announcement was prominently featured on their website.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Amazon Prime offers a variety of benefits that justify its cost, including:

• Free Shipping: Members enjoy free two-day shipping on eligible items, same-day delivery in select areas, and free release-date delivery on certain pre-order items.
• Prime Video: Access to thousands of movies and TV shows, including exclusive content through Amazon Originals.
• Prime Music: Ad-free music streaming with access to over two million songs.
• Exclusive Deals: Early access to Lightning Deals and special promotions.

Given these offerings, many users find that the annual fee provides significant value. If you are considering signing up for Amazon Prime or are already a member, it's a good idea to keep an eye on any communications from Amazon regarding membership changes.

In conclusion, while the current annual fee remains at $139, it's prudent to stay informed about potential future price changes by checking Amazon's official channels regularly.