Google overhauls its AI subscription tiers, makes them cheaper
Published: (May 19, 2026 at 01:45 PM EDT)
2 min read
Source: Mashable Tech
Source: Mashable Tech
Google restructured its AI subscription lineup at I/O 2026, introducing a new mid‑tier Ultra plan and lowering the price of its top‑tier offering while rethinking usage limits.
Credit: Google
New Subscription Tiers
| Tier | Monthly price | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| AI Plus | $7.99 | Basic access to Gemini models |
| AI Pro | $19.99 | Higher usage limits, Gemini 3.5 Flash |
| AI Ultra | $99.99 | 5× Pro usage limits, Gemini 3.5 Flash, priority access to Google Antigravity, 20 TB cloud storage, bundled YouTube Premium, exclusive Gemini Spark agent (beta next week in the U.S.) |
AI Ultra
- Targeted at developers, technical leads, and power users.
- Includes 5× the usage limits of the Pro plan.
- Provides priority access to Google Antigravity, Google’s agent‑first coding platform.
- Offers 20 TB of cloud storage and a full YouTube Premium individual plan.
- Grants exclusive early access to Gemini Spark, the new autonomous AI agent announced at I/O 2026, rolling out in beta next week in the United States.
Pricing Adjustments
- The previous top‑tier plan was priced at $250 per month; it has been reduced to $200 per month with all capabilities unchanged.
- The new Ultra entry point is set at $99.99 per month, providing a more affordable mid‑tier option.
Usage Measurement Overhaul
- Compute‑based accounting replaces the old prompt‑count system. Simple text queries consume far less of your limit than complex video or coding tasks.
- Refresh interval: Limits now reset every five hours instead of once per day.
- Automatic model fallback: If you reach the cap on a top‑tier model, Google automatically switches you to a faster, lighter model rather than cutting off access.
- Pay‑as‑you‑go credits: AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can purchase additional credits for Google Antigravity and Google Flow, with Gemini app support slated for release soon.