April 2, 2026
Enabling user-initiated purchases, starting with higher access to advanced AI features in Workspace
We’re introducing a new capability that allows end users to purchase Google Workspace add-ons directly, starting with the AI Expanded Access add-on for users in the United States and Canada with a Google Workspace Business edition. This feature is designed to help organizations and admins address the growing demand for AI tools while simplifying how users can get higher access to the latest advanced AI tools in Workspace.
Currently, users who want more access to advanced AI capabilities - such as higher usage in the Gemini app and NotebookLM, or specialized tools like Veo 3 or Avatar creation in Google Vids - must rely on their IT administrators to procure and assign add-on licenses. This can create bottlenecks for motivated users who have adopted these tools and are eager to further boost their productivity with Google Workspace. With this update, eligible users can purchase the AI Expanded Access add-on themselves using their own form of payment and an individual billing account.
Admins retain control
You retain full control of this feature, including the ability to turn this capability off for your entire organization or specific groups. Administrators can review which users have purchased subscriptions through the Admin console, and have the ability to cancel subscriptions if they wish to do so. Visibility of user-purchased subscriptions can be a valuable source of information to central teams around broader licensing decisions while maintaining administrative visibility and control.
Getting started
- Admins: This feature will be on by default, and can be disabled at the domain, OU, or group level. Visit the Help Center to learn more.
- End users: If your organization is eligible and the setting has not been disabled (see availability details below), users may see an in-product prompt to upgrade to get higher access when they reach their usage limit for certain AI features in Google Workspace. Clicking this prompt will allow the user to buy the add-on directly using their own payment method. Once they’ve signed up, they’ll get access to higher usage of advanced AI features in Workspace with the AI Expanded Access add-on when using their company Workspace account. Users will be able to manage their add-on subscription by visiting the user subscription management page at workspace.google.com/individual/user/manage.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Currently available
- Users in eligible organizations may see the option to upgrade to the AI Expanded Access add-on when they reach certain AI feature usage limits starting no sooner than April 7, 2026.
Availability
- Business Editions: Initially, users with Business Standard or Business Plus licenses in the United States and Canada will be able to make these purchases. We plan to make this capability available to more customers in the coming months. Administrators will be notified by email when user-initiated purchases will be made available in their domains, and they’ll have the opportunity to adjust settings for this capability in the Admin console before the rollout of user-initiated purchases.*
*Note: This feature is not yet available to customers who have purchased Workspace from a resale partner, an offline order form, or customers outside of the United States and Canada. For these customers, AI Expanded Access licenses can be purchased by Administrators in the Admin console, through your partner, or Google account manager.
Resources
- Google Workspace Admin Help: Let users buy add-ons