Google’s New AI Ultra Upgrades Could Cost Pixel Owners Up To $240

InnovationConsumer TechGoogle’s New AI Ultra Upgrades Could Cost Pixel Owners Up To $240ByPaul Monckton,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Paul Monckton covers photography, imaging and generative AIFollow AuthorMay 31, 2026, 09:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryGoogle Pixel 10 Pro owners are encountering a significant hurdle when trying to access Google's advanced AI features. While their devices come with a year of Google AI Pro, valued at $240, upgrading to the premium Gemini AI Ultra tier permanently cancels this bundled subscription. There's no option to pause or reactivate the free Pro plan, forcing users to forfeit a valuable perk to experience cutting-edge AI. Google's promotional offers do not stack, meaning the existing benefit is lost immediately upon upgrading. A workaround involves creating a separate Google account for Ultra, but this introduces syncing issues and other inconveniences. This policy creates friction for loyal Pixel customers, who must choose between a free service and exploring Google's latest AI innovations.Show More Pixel owners and others with promotional Google AI Pro subscriptions risk permanently losing up to $240 of bundled perks if they upgrade to Google AI Ultra, even temporarily.SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesKey TakeawaysPixel 10 Pro-series owners are getting a rude surprise when trying to access Google’s latest and most advanced AI features.Google’s best AI features require a Gemini AI Ultra subscription, but there’s no way to upgrade without permanently ending the $240 Google AI Pro subscription bundled with the company’s flagship smartphones.Users must set up a separate Google account if they wish to test drive Gemini AI Ultra and return to the “free” Google AI Pro tier.Google’s recent I/O 2026 keynote proves just how much the company wants user...