Google prepares credits system for Gemini and new image tools

Google appears to be preparing a major shift in how consumers interact with the Gemini app, with new strings referencing usage limits surfacing in the latest build. The signals point toward a credit-based system coming to the core chat surface, where users would receive a monthly allowance to spend across models and features, with the option to top up when they run out. Currently, Gemini relies on fixed prompt quotas and time-bound caps tied to each subscription tier, while Google's credit mechanics have been confined to Flow, Whisk, and Antigravity, plus top-ups available to AI Pro and AI Ultra members.

Extending credits into the main Gemini app would bring Google closer to the flexible consumption model already in place at OpenAI, Anthropic, and Notion, and xAI is expected to follow suit with the Grok Build rollout. For power users, the change would mean more predictable budgeting for heavy workloads, particularly those involving agentic tasks, Deep Research, Deep Think, or long multimodal sessions. It would also give Google a cleaner lever to introduce premium features without forcing users to make a steep jump from AI Pro at $19.99 to AI Ultra at $249.99.

Alongside the credits signal, a dedicated images section has appeared in the web UI, labeled NEW. At this stage, it is unclear whether it simply provides a distinct home for image generation, teases an updated model, or points to a more comprehensive image editor built directly into Gemini. Google had a burst of activity on this front in late 2024 with Whisk and ImageFX, but that track went quiet before the recent consolidation into Flow. A proper in-app editor within Gemini, pairing Nano Banana 2 and Nano Banana Pro with canvas-style tools, would mark the return of that project to the core product rather than a standalone Labs surface.

Strategically, this fits a broader consolidation underway at Google. Developer program perks have already been folded into AI Pro and Ultra, consumer subscriptions are linked to AI Studio credits, and the company is unifying its billing spine. A shared credit pool covering the Gemini app, AI Studio, Antigravity, Flow, and a revived image editor would be the logical next step, especially with Jules, Gemini CLI, and the rumoured Gemini desktop app moving toward coding-heavy workloads that demand heavier compute budgets. Timing favours Google I/O on May 19 and 20 as the likely unveil moment, alongside the Stitch redesign, Jitro, AI Studio Build expansion, and the broader Skills rollout.