As the race to build AI-powered browsers intensifies, Google Chrome may soon ask users to pay for some of its most advanced features.
New evidence suggests Chrome’s upcoming agentic, or action-taking, AI tools could be locked behind paid subscription tiers when they first launch.
With 2025 nearing its end, major browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox are rapidly transforming into AI-first platforms.
While Firefox has taken a more cautious approach, Chrome and Edge are aggressively integrating AI features, regardless of whether users actively want them.
Google has already embedded Gemini into Chrome, enabling tools like AI-powered reverse image search and an “AI Mode” within the omnibar.
Now, signs point to even more advanced AI capabilities coming to the browser.
Evidence from chromium code
The potential change was spotted by well-known browser watcher Leopeva64 on X. They discovered a new entry on the Chromium Review site titled “Gate actuation access by AI subscription tier.”
According to the commit, certain features will only be “populated for paid users with the actuation eligibility.” This strongly suggests Google is building a system where agentic Chrome features are unlocked based on AI subscription levels.
What are agentic features?
Agentic, or actuation, features allow AI to take actions on a user’s behalf rather than just answering questions.
These tools are seen as a major step forward in AI-powered browsing, but they also require more computing resources.
Locking them behind paid tiers would align Chrome with broader industry trends in AI monetization.
Many companies restrict their newest and most powerful AI tools to subscribers first.
Paid at first, free later?
Importantly, this paywall may not be permanent. Leopeva64 noted that Google previously limited Gemini access to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers before making it widely available.
This mirrors a common strategy across large language model platforms.
Newer, more capable models are initially paid-only, while older versions are eventually released to all users.
If implemented, this move would further cement Chrome’s position as a full-fledged AI browser.
However, AI-driven browsing remains a divisive topic among users.
Some see AI browsers as the future, while others worry about forced features and monetization.
Whether Google’s approach attracts users or alienates them remains an open question.
