Google One hits 150 million subscribers – looks like we're willing to pay for AI after all

People might say they’re not willing to pay for AI, but numbers show otherwise. 

Earlier this year, a ZDNET/Aberdeen survey into AI assistants found that only 8% of adults said they would be willing to pay extra for AI capabilities in their products and services. A recent CNET study centered around AI in Alexa devices showed a similarly cool reception. 

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Despite those reports, though, the number of people paying for AI is soaring. 

According to new numbers in a Reuters report, Google One service just passed 150 million subscribers. That’s a 50% increase from February of last year, when it passed 100 million subscribers.

Google One, which debuted in 2018, offers several useful benefits, such as expanded storage space and additional features, on its $2 a month and $10 a month plans. However, the $20 a month AI Premium plan adds access to Gemini Advanced plus Gemini across Google products like Gmail and Docs.

The premium AI plan was introduced in February 2024, which is — probably not coincidentally — the date Google One subscriptions started to rise more quickly than ever. According to Shimrit Ben-Yair, a vice president of Google Photos and Google One, the paid tier has “millions” of subscriptions.

A report from one month ago showed a similar spike in paid ChatGPT subscriptions, with the company making “at least $415 million per month” in revenue. A subscription there also costs $20 a month. That price point is also what the rumored price point for Apple Intelligence could be. 

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Overall, it seems the majority of people are still warming up to AI. If you ask the general population, they either don’t want AI at all or they’re not willing to pay for it yet. But the people who have started to embrace AI don’t mind paying for enhanced AI features. 

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