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Unclear If Opting Out AI Features Avoids Price Hike


Google has made its AI-powered features in Gmail, Docs, Sheets and Meet free for all Workspace users, but questions remain about pricing adjustments and feature visibility for certain accounts.

AI now included at no extra cost

Google announced that its full suite of AI tools, previously only available through the $20 per user per month Gemini for Workspace plan, is now included in its standard offering at no additional cost.

AI capabilities such as automated email summaries, meeting recording, spreadsheet design suggestions, and the Gemini chatbot are now available to all users.

However, this announcement comes with a catch: Workspace plans will see a 2 dollars increase in price per user per month.

The new pricing structure raises the base price of the Workspace Business Standard plan from 12 dollars to 14 dollars per user, effective immediately for new clients.

From March 17th, existing users will see the change reflected. Small business accounts are currently exempt from this adjustment.

Confusion about prices and settings

While the price increase has been widely reported, Google Workspace support has offered further clarification, indicating that it may not apply to all users.

According to support representatives, it’s unclear whether organizations that turn off AI features will still face increased costs. Official guidance on the matter has yet to be issued, leaving many customers unsure.

Screenshot from Google Support Chat, January 2025.

Conversations between Google Workspace representatives and Search Engine Journal’s development team reveal that turning off AI features isn’t easy.

Settings to turn off AI features like Gemini are not visible for business accounts by default.

Administrators must contact Google Support to enable access to these settings. For business users, settings are available directly within the Workspace admin console.

Competitive pressure against Microsoft

Google’s move to include AI features in its standard Workspace offering mirrors Microsoft’s recent decision to integrate its Copilot Pro AI tools into a standard Microsoft 365 subscription.

Both companies aim to attract more users to their AI-powered productivity platforms while simplifying their pricing structures.

Key operations

For organizations using Google Workspace, here are key points to consider:

  1. AI features are enabled by default: Gemini and other AI tools will be active for most accounts unless specifically disabled.
  2. The opt-out process is complicated: Business account owners must contact Google Support to access and change AI settings. Business accounts can manage these settings directly.
  3. Price uncertainty: It’s not clear if the $2 price increase will still apply if you opt out of the AI ​​tool. Google has stated that further updates on this issue will follow.

Businesses are advised to monitor their Workspace settings carefully and contact Google Support for clarification.



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