On Thursday, Google announced an increase in subscription prices for its Google Workspace services in certain regions. The company explained that this change comes as part of a broader enhancement of value, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into all Workspace plans. All customers will now have access to the Gemini AI tools, which were previously offered through a separate monthly add-on priced at $20 in the United States and Rs. 1,950 in India.
Google Integrates Gemini AI Features into Workspace Subscriptions
In a blog announcement, the tech giant based in Mountain View discussed the restructuring of its Business and Enterprise Workspace subscription offerings. Until now, businesses were required to pay the standard subscription fees along with an additional charge to utilize the integrated Gemini AI features.
With this new update, Google has eliminated the separate Gemini add-on and integrated these features directly into the Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, and Enterprise plans. In the U.S., this adjustment includes a $2 increase (approximately Rs. 173), raising the cost of the lowest tier to $14 (around Rs. 1,200), up from $12 (approximately Rs. 1,040) per month. Interestingly, prices in India remain unchanged, although the pricing page now highlights AI features as part of the plans’ offerings.
In defense of the price increase, Google stated, “A customer using the Workspace Business Standard plan with a Gemini Business add-on previously paid $32 per user, per month. Now, that same customer will pay just $14 per user, per month — only $2 more than they were paying for Workspace without Gemini.”
This update enables Workspace users to utilize Gemini across various applications, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, Chat, and Vids. They will also gain access to the Gemini Advanced chatbot and all Gemini models available for paid subscribers, in addition to the NotebookLM Plus, which is the premium version of Google’s AI-assisted research platform.
These modifications significantly enhance the value proposition for organizations already subscribing to the Gemini add-on or those considering the AI tools. Conversely, businesses that were content with standard Workspace services will now face higher costs to maintain their subscriptions.
