For a while, Google has been experimenting with new AI search features for its Google Search. One thing to note here, is some of the features like the Search Generative Experience don’t really go well with the concept of an ad-supported web.

Aside from content creators, Google also gets a significant proportion of its revenue from ads. Additionally, there remains the investment behind the development of AI models which end consumers are benefiting from. While Google intended to (and is successful) make the search experience better, it also brings questions about the sustainability of the system. Notably, the traditional ad-supported Google Search will remain accessible for free.

Google Search without its new AI features will remain available for free

The Financial Times reports (paywalled) that Google could offer AI-powered search features with a price tag in the near future. Sources familiar with Google’s plans suggest that the AI-powered features could become a part of Google’s existing subscription services such as Google One.

Interestingly, the report claims that even the paid experience won’t exclude ads. It indicates the importance of ads in Google’s business model still to date. So why is Google striving to build and implement such features that interfere with its business model in the first place?

Well, these seem to be intended to remain the go-to choice for every individual. While some will be willing to pay for an AI-enriched helpful search experience, most won’t probably want to pay for what they have used for free so far. A survey shows that more than 70% of people are willing to stay with the free plan.

Speaking of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) it’s currently in an experimental phase and as Google notes, it’s not ready for production-grade services yet.

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