Google appears to be quietly expanding its Gemini subscription lineup with a new mid-tier option, tentatively called AI Ultra Lite. According to code strings discovered in the macOS version of the Gemini app, the company is developing a plan that could sit between the existing $20/month AI Pro and the $250/month AI Ultra tiers. The codename for this project is "Neon."
The Current AI Subscription Landscape
Currently, Google offers two primary paid AI subscription options for its Gemini platform. The AI Pro tier, priced at roughly $20 per month, gives users access to Gemini Advanced, enhanced features, and priority support. At the top end, the AI Ultra tier costs around $250 per month and is designed for heavy users and enterprises needing maximum performance, longer context windows, and dedicated resources.
This creates a significant pricing gap: users who outgrow the Pro tier but don't need the full Ultra capabilities have no intermediate option. The introduction of AI Ultra Lite aims to fill that gap, offering a middle ground in both features and cost.
Unveiling AI Ultra Lite
Codename 'Neon' and Evidence
The name "AI Ultra Lite" and its codename "Neon" were uncovered in code strings within the macOS version of the Gemini app. While Google has not officially announced the tier, such internal labels often indicate active development. The discovery suggests that the company is preparing a product that will likely offer more capabilities than AI Pro but at a lower price point than AI Ultra.
Pricing and Positioning
Based on the observed structure, AI Ultra Lite could be priced somewhere between $20 and $250 per month. This range allows Google to target power users, small businesses, and professionals who need advanced AI features without the commitment or cost of the enterprise-level Ultra plan. The exact price will likely depend on the specific features included—such as extended context windows, faster response times, or higher usage quotas—relative to the existing tiers.
New Usage Limit Dashboard
In addition to the new subscription tier, Google is also working on a usage limit dashboard. This tool would allow subscribers to monitor their AI usage in real time, helping them avoid hitting caps or incurring overage charges. The dashboard is expected to integrate with the Gemini app, providing transparency and control over how many queries, tokens, or compute time remain in a billing cycle. This feature would be especially useful for users considering the AI Ultra Lite plan, as it likely will have defined usage limits between those of Pro and Ultra.
What This Means for Users
For current Gemini users, the arrival of AI Ultra Lite would offer a more affordable path to enhanced AI capabilities. It could include perks such as priority access during peak times, longer context retention, or integration with Google Workspace—features currently reserved for the Ultra tier. The usage dashboard would further empower users to manage their spending and avoid surprise fees.
Businesses and developers who rely on Gemini for content generation, coding assistance, or data analysis could benefit from a mid-tier plan that scales with their needs. The introduction of such a plan might also pressure competitors like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft to adjust their pricing strategies for similar AI services.
Conclusion
While Google has yet to officially confirm the AI Ultra Lite tier, the evidence from app code strongly suggests the company is actively developing it. Codename "Neon" and the planned usage dashboard indicate a deliberate effort to round out the Gemini subscription portfolio. For consumers and businesses alike, this could mean more flexibility and value in accessing advanced AI tools. We’ll continue to monitor for official announcements from Google regarding pricing, features, and availability.
Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.