Google’s One subscription service has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 150 million subscribers, according to a recent announcement by the company to Reuters.
This figure marks a substantial 50 percent growth since February 2024, when Google One achieved the 100 million subscriber mark, nearly six years after its initial launch.
In February, Google also unveiled a new plan priced at $19.99 (approximately Rs. 1,710) per month, which provides users with access to advanced AI features not available to those on the free version. The company maintains various Google One subscription tiers for file storage at lower prices, although most of the AI features are exclusive to the new tier.
Shimrit Ben-Yair, a vice president overseeing the Google One subscription service, stated that the new AI subscription plan has contributed to “millions” of new sign-ups.
This growth in subscriptions forms part of Alphabet’s broader strategy to reduce its reliance on advertising, which has historically generated over three-quarters of its total revenue, amounting to around $350 billion (approximately Rs. 29,93,350 crore) in 2024.
As Alphabet seeks to secure its financial future, the rise of AI chatbots, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s own Gemini, presents a challenge to its search engine dominance.
In a notable development, it was reported that AI enhancements have led to a decline in searches using Apple’s Safari browser for the first time ever, as mentioned by an Apple executive during recent court testimony. This shift prompts Apple to explore AI-driven search options, a competitive challenge for Alphabet, which lost $150 billion (approximately Rs. 12,82,864 crore) in market value on that day.
Unlike traditional search engines, AI interfaces have not yet found a straightforward method for integrating advertisements. Many firms are instead opting to charge users through subscriptions or based on usage.
Investor confidence has been shaken regarding Google’s ability to adapt to these changes.
During a February earnings call, CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged the need for monetization efforts concerning Gemini, stating, “Just like you’ve seen with YouTube, we’ll give people options over time. For this year, I think you’ll see us be focused on the subscription direction.”
© Thomson Reuters 2025
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
