Mountain View, California – Google One users will soon bid farewell to the VPN feature that was once touted as an added layer of online security for Android and iOS devices. Initially launched in October 2020, the VPN service will be discontinued in the coming months, as announced by Google.
The decision to shut down the VPN by Google One comes as the company found that the feature was underutilized by users. Google plans to refocus its efforts on supporting more popular features within the Google One platform, following the recent milestone of reaching 100 million subscribers earlier this year.
Despite the discontinuation of the Google One VPN, users will be directed towards third-party VPN alternatives to fulfill their online security needs. This move aligns with Google’s strategic shift to prioritize highly demanded features within its services.
The VPN by Google One was initially offered as part of the Premium plan at $9.99 per month but was later made available to all plans for $1.99 per month in March 2023. Despite its accessibility across various platforms, including Mac and Windows, the company has decided to sunset the service due to low adoption rates.
In addition to the VPN discontinuation, Google has been making strategic changes to its subscription services, such as offering AI editing tools in Google Photos for free and removing the need for a subscription for unlimited Magic Editor usage. These adjustments reflect Google’s efforts to streamline its offerings and cater to evolving user needs.
Existing Google One users need not worry about changes to the free Pixel VPN included with the Pixel 7 series, which guarantees availability for five years. Furthermore, users of older Pixel models can expect an upgrade to the VPN service introduced with the Pixel 8, enhancing their online security capabilities.
While the VPN by Google One may be coming to an end, users can still rely on the VPN available through Google Fi, ensuring continued protection for their online activities. As Google continues to refine its product offerings, users can expect further enhancements and optimizations to the services provided through the Google One platform.