Google AI Plus now launches in the United States, Japan, and 33 additional markets, delivering the Gemini 3 Pro model, 200 GB of cloud storage, and 200 AI‑credit units each month for just ¥1,200 (≈ $9). Positioned between the free tier and Google AI Pro, the subscription offers a cost‑effective way for creators, students, and small businesses to access advanced generative‑AI tools without premium pricing.
What Google AI Plus Offers
The mid‑tier plan bridges the gap between the free tier and Google AI Pro, giving users premium capabilities at a lower price point.
- Gemini 3 Pro access – the latest generative‑AI model for text, image, and multimodal tasks.
- 200 GB cloud storage – ample space for AI‑generated media files.
- 200 AI‑credit units per month – sufficient for regular content creation and experimentation.
- Priority updates – early access to new features and model improvements.
Pricing and Tier Structure
Google AI Plus is priced to attract hobbyists and small‑business users while maintaining a clear hierarchy across four subscription levels.
Monthly Cost by Region
- Japan: ¥1,200 (≈ $9) per month, with a promotional launch price of ¥600 for the first two months.
- United States and other markets: equivalent pricing in local currency, typically under half the cost of Google AI Pro.
Tier Comparison
- Free – Basic Gemini 1 access, limited credits, no storage bundle.
- Plus (Google AI Plus) – Double the credit allowance, 200 GB storage, Gemini 3 Pro access.
- Pro – Higher storage caps, larger credit pools, same model access.
- Ultra – Enterprise‑grade resources, dedicated support, and custom credit allocations.
Expansion Timeline and Market Reach
Initially launched in 2024 for emerging markets, Google AI Plus expanded to 77 countries by the end of 2025. The latest rollout adds the United States, Japan, and 33 additional regions, bringing the total to 35 markets and reinforcing Google’s “AI for everyone” strategy.
Why the Expansion Matters
The generative‑AI landscape is increasingly competitive, with premium offerings from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Anthropic. By delivering Pro‑level capabilities at a sub‑Pro price, Google AI Plus positions itself as a cost‑effective alternative for users who need consistent access to high‑performance models without the expense of a full‑scale enterprise subscription.
Impact on Users
In Japan, the introductory ¥600 price is likely to drive early adoption among university students and freelance creators who previously relied on free or ad‑supported tools. The 200 GB storage allocation addresses the growing demand for space to host AI‑generated images, videos, and audio. In the United States, the clear tiered structure helps users avoid “feature creep” by selecting a plan that matches their actual usage patterns.
Broader Industry Implications
Google’s mid‑tier offering highlights a shift toward tiered AI subscriptions that balance accessibility with revenue generation. Competitors may feel pressure to introduce similar mid‑range products or adjust pricing to retain market share, potentially reshaping the AI subscription market that analysts project to reach $15 billion by 2028.
Outlook and Considerations
The success of Google AI Plus will depend on subscriber uptake and how effectively users can manage their AI‑credit consumption across text, image, and multimodal services. Google has not disclosed projected subscriber numbers or detailed credit‑usage metrics, leaving the long‑term roadmap for Gemini 3 Pro and future model tiers uncertain.
Conclusion
Google AI Plus expands to the United States, Japan, and 33 additional markets, offering Gemini 3 Pro, 200 GB of storage, and 200 AI‑credit units for ¥1,200 per month. This strategic mid‑tier product aims to democratize access to advanced generative‑AI tools while creating a new revenue stream between the free and Pro offerings, setting a potential benchmark for affordable, high‑quality AI services.
