Give your Google Workspace users higher access to advanced AI in Google Workspace with the AI Expanded Access add-on. Find out how it can benefit your organisation, what it includes, eligibility, pricing, and how Refractiv can help you deploy it and train your team.
TL;DR
- AI Expanded Access is a Googlew Workspace add‑on that unlocks higher usage limits for advanced AI capabilities (image/video generation, deep reasoning inside the Gemini app, Gemini Notebook, Workspace Studio automations, and more).
- It’s designed for teams that regularly produce high volumes of content, multimedia, or automated workflows and need more capacity than standard plans provide.
- To get Gemini Expanded Access, you need a Google Workspace subscription. You can purchase both a Google Workspace subscription and the AI Expanded Access add-on through Refractiv. We also deliver tailored staff training, so your team uses these tools effectively and safely.
What is AI Expanded Access?
AI Expanded Access gives your team more capacity and higher performance for advanced AI tasks.
Limits enforcement for some advanced features began on 1st July, 2026, and promotional access periods have ended; AI Expanded Access is now the standard way to retain elevated limits.
It provides higher access (increased daily/monthly limits) to a curated set of advanced features across Workspace apps and the Gemini app, including:
- Advanced image generation with Nano Banana Pro in Slides, Gemini Notebook, and the Gemini app.
- Video generation at scale using Veo 3.1 in Vids (including AI avatars) and the Gemini app.
- Gemini app: deeper reasoning with top models (e.g., Gemini 3 Pro) for complex strategic problems.
- Gemini Notebook: larger source libraries and more high‑value outputs such as Audio Overviews, infographics, and Mind Maps.
- Workspace Studio: more automation executions for ad‑hoc tasks and always‑on workflows.
- Speech translation: real‑time meeting translation that preserves speaker tone and voice.
If your team is new to AI, consider our foundational Gemini training course before upgrading to AI Expanded Access. Building a strong base ensures your team is prepared to leverage advanced, specialised capabilities.
What’s Included with AI Expanded Access?
While Google Workspace plans already include some Gemini features, AI Expanded Access is designed for professionals and teams that need to go beyond standard AI capabilities.
Key capabilities include:
- Gemini app – higher access to deep reasoning models for complex tasks.
- Nano Banana Pro – more images created/edited in Slides, Notebook, and Gemini app.
- Veo 3.1 – more professional‑grade videos (including AI avatars) in Vids and Gemini app.
- Gemini Notebook – expanded capacity for sources and outputs like Audio Overviews.
- Workspace Studio – higher execution counts for automations.
- Speech translation – increased usage for real‑time translation in meetings.
As Google releases new advanced AI features, AI Expanded Access licence holders will also get higher access to those features over time
Is AI Expanded Access Available in the UK?
Yes, AI Expanded Access is available to Google Workspace users in the UK with the following editions:
- Business Standard
- Business Plus
- Enterprise Standard
- Enterprise Plus
Contact us today to add AI Expanded Access to your Google Workspace package.
Who Can Benefit From AI Expanded Access?
AI Expanded Access is ideal for teams that regularly hit standard plan limits or need more advanced outputs:
- Creatives & marketing – high‑volume image/video production, campaign variants, rapid storyboarding.
- Sales & customer success – scaled briefing materials, meeting translation, automated follow‑ups.
- Researchers & analysts – larger Gemini Notebook libraries, more Audio Overviews, deeper Gemini reasoning.
- Operations & IT – more Workspace Studio automations for repetitive tasks and workflows.
How Much Does AI Expanded Access Cost?
As the top end of Google’s AI offerings, Google AI Ultra for Business is priced at £18 per user, per month with an annual contract. If you opt for a flexible mothly plan, the price increases to £18 per user/month. You don’t need to purchase the add-on for all the users on your domain.
How Does AI Expanded Access Compare to Other Tiers?
Google Workspace now offers multiple tiers of AI access:
- Standard Gemini access included with your Google Workspace subscription – suitable for light AI use (drafting, summarising, basic images).
- AI Expanded Access – for teams producing high volumes of content, multimedia, or automations and needing higher limits.
How do I get AI Expanded Access for My Business?
Firstly, you need a Google Workspace subscription. If you don’t have one yet, get in touch with the Refractiv team today, and we’ll get you started.
- Ensure you have an eligible Workspace plan (Business Standard/Plus or Enterprise Standard/Plus).
- Purchase the AI Expanded Access add‑on via your Google Admin console or through a UK Google Partner such as Refractiv.
- Assign licenses to power users who need higher AI limits.
Refractiv can procure and provision AI Expanded Access for you and advise on licence allocation so the right users get the right access.
Is AI Expanded Access Safe and Secure? What About Our Data?
When using Google Workspace with Gemini, your data is not used to train AI models, reviewed by anyone, or shared with other users. This enterprise-grade data protection is a key differentiator from the consumer version of Gemini that you may be using with your personal Google account.
Ready to Help and Train Your Staff
Refractiv is ready to help you:
- Assess needs – identify which teams/users benefit most from AI Expanded Access.
- Procure & deploy – add the AI Expanded Access licences and configure policies.
- Train staff – deliver tailored training so your team uses their new AI limits effectively and safely.
If your team is new to AI, start with foundational Gemini training before expanding to advanced features; this ensures users are prepared to leverage higher‑access tools responsibly.
Contact Refractiv to add AI Expanded Access to your Google Workspace package and book staff training.
