Google’s cloud-based service, Google One, has reached 150 million users worldwide, showing a sharp increase of 50% in just three months. The rise is largely due to a new $19.99 monthly plan that offers premium features, including access to advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
“This isn’t just about cloud storage anymore,” said Shimrit Ben-Yair, a vice president at Google.
She added that “millions” of people have already subscribed to the new high-tier AI plan since it launched in February.
The growing number of paid users marks a major shift in Google’s business strategy. Parent company Alphabet is now pushing subscriptions to reduce its dependence on advertising. In 2024, ads made up more than 75% of Alphabet’s $350 billion in revenue.
That model is now under pressure. During a recent court case, Apple revealed that for the first time ever, people are using its Safari browser less for web searches. This signals a bigger change, as many users now prefer AI tools over traditional search engines.
The news hit Alphabet hard. After Apple’s statement, Alphabet lost $150 billion in market value in just one day.
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CEO Sundar Pichai explained the company’s new direction earlier this year.
Pichai said, “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.”
Unlike search engines, which earn money through ads, AI tools do not easily support advertising. As a result, Google is turning to direct payments from users through subscriptions or usage-based pricing.
Google One now represents more than storage; it’s a sign that Google is trying to secure its future. And with users willing to pay for useful tools, the company may no longer be able to rely on giving services away for free.