In August, Zed AI launched its beta version, attracting thousands of daily users who utilize its Assistant Panel and inline assistant for coding tasks. Initially free and unlimited, Zed AI has now introduced a usage-based billing model for its most active users to ensure long-term sustainability, while maintaining a free tier for the majority. This new system charges high-volume users at cost for AI processing units beyond the free tier, with an option to set a maximum monthly spend limit. Users already subscribed to external AI services can continue using their existing keys, as Zed's subscription service remains optional. The company is still developing features and has not finalized its long-term pricing model, but it aims to ensure convenience and sustainability as it grows its AI offerings.