Google launches low-cost AI Plus plan in over 40 countries, priced at just $5 per month

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Technology Insights Daily
October 03, 2025

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Google is rolling out a more accessible entry point to its AI ecosystem by launching Google AI Plus in more than 40 countries, with a monthly fee of around US$5. The plan unlocks access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, as well as creative tools like Flow, Whisk, and video generation via Veo 3 Fast. Subscribers also get expanded support in Workspace apps, integration with NotebookLM, and 200 GB of cloud storage. The move signals Google’s push to democratize AI access, particularly in emerging markets. While price is low, Google is banking on scale—if many users adopt AI at this tier, it could shift global expectations of AI subscription pricing. Critics and analysts will be watching closely: whether the $5 tier can compete with more premium models depends on perceived value, performance, and how Google balances costs and infrastructure demands.

Soon after the public launch of iOS 26, reports began surfacing that the Calendar app’s search feature has broken for many users. Affected users—on devices ranging from iPhone 13 mini to iPhone 17 Pro—say that when they try to find existing events via search, no results appear even if those events still exist in their calendar. The bug doesn’t consistently affect every query: some search terms might still work, others return nothing. The first beta of iOS 26.1 has not yet fixed the issue. Apple is aware and is expected to issue a patch. In the meantime, users depending heavily on calendar search are frustrated, especially since this function is a key tool for managing schedules. Workarounds like toggling search-related settings or force-restarting the device have helped some users temporarily, but the ultimate fix likely lies in an OS update.

Apple has publicly addressed the controversy dubbed “scratchgate,” where retail iPhone 17 Pro units showed scuffs and marks soon after display. According to Apple, many of these marks are not true scratches, but rather material transfer from worn MagSafe risers used in retail stands. The company claims those display apparatuses rub or deposit residue onto the device surfaces and that these marks can often be cleaned. Apple also defended the anodized aluminum design as being tested under normal use, noting that in real-world usage the phones remain robust. However, some users have still reported permanent abrasions beyond material transfer, raising skepticism. Independently, teardown analyses point out that the camera plateau’s sharp edges are more prone to cosmetic wear because anodized coatings adhere less well at corners. Ultimately, Apple recommends using protective cases, and users will likely await long-term durability results before drawing conclusions.

Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Instagram now has 3 billion monthly active users, a milestone that places it alongside Meta’s other flagship apps — Facebook and WhatsApp — in terms of scale. The platform’s surge is credited to features like Reels, algorithmic discovery, and deeper integration of private messaging. Instagram is evolving from a photo-sharing app to a multi-modal social experience with video, messaging, and content recommendation at its core. To maintain growth momentum, Instagram plans to test new tools that give users more control over what they see, such as allowing them to adjust recommendation settings and surface content types they prefer. Reels-focused navigation is being trialed, making video more central to the experience than static posts. Overall, hitting the 3 billion mark is not just symbolic — it represents Instagram’s shift into a primary pillar of Meta’s growth strategy and underscores its importance in digital advertising, content creation, and social influence.

In an intriguing turn, Intel has approached Apple about a potential investment and deeper collaboration, according to multiple media reports. Though Apple and Intel parted ways in the hardware domain years ago, Intel appears to be attempting a comeback by repositioning itself in AI and chip infrastructure, areas of renewed competitive gravity. The discussions are still in early stages, with no formal agreement yet public. Intel’s stock responded positively after the news, reflecting investor interest in a possible alliance. For Apple, this could be a strategic move to diversify supply chains or to secure influence in AI chip development. But it also carries risks: dependence on a legacy chipmaker with a checkered recent performance. Should a deal materialize, it may offer Intel a needed lifeline and give Apple more control over its long-term chip and AI roadmap. Yet for now, such talks are speculative but worth watching.

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