Cursor released version 0.50 on May 9, 2025, introducing a major update with simplified pricing models, a fully upgraded Max mode, and a series of feature enhancements (https://cursor.com/changelog). This update focused on improving AI programming efficiency by adding cross-file code suggestions, background agents, and multi-repository support, further solidifying Cursor's position as the leading AI-driven code editor. AIbase observed that the developer community highly praised the new version's responsiveness and multitasking capabilities.
Innovative Pricing Model: Unified Request-Based and Token Billing
The Cursor 0.50 version significantly optimized its pricing model by adopting a unified request-based billing system, replacing the previous complex multi-layer structure. The Pro and Business plans offer 500 fast requests per month, with the option to enable pay-as-you-go billing or continue using slower requests after exceeding the limit (which may have slightly delayed priority). Additionally, the Max mode is now billed per million tokens, supporting all top-tier AI models (such as Claude3.7Sonnet, GPT-4o), providing higher flexibility for handling large contexts or complex tasks. AIbase learned that users can view usage in real-time via the dashboard (cursor.com/dashboard) and set spending limits to ensure cost transparency.
Feature Highlights: Multidimensional Enhancement of Programming Efficiency
New Tab Model: Cross-File Intelligent Refactoring
Cursor 0.50 introduced a brand-new Tab model, supporting cross-file suggestion changes, particularly excelling in code refactoring and multi-file collaborative operations. The new model adds syntax highlighting features, enhancing code readability and significantly optimizing the editing experience for developers in large projects. Social media feedback shows that the Tab model performs exceptionally well when handling complex dependency relationships.
Background Agent (Preview Version): Parallel Task Processing
The Background Agent feature (Beta version) allows developers to run multiple AI agents in parallel, enabling task execution in remote environments, such as automated testing or batch file modifications. AIbase editorial team believes this function provides new possibilities for team collaboration and CI/CD process optimization, although it still needs improvements in stability.
Code Repository Context and Multi-Root Workspaces
By using the folders feature, users can add entire code repositories to the context, ensuring that AI understands the full project scope. Additionally, multi-root workspaces allow managing multiple code repositories within a single interface, suitable for cross-project development needs. AIbase observed that this feature greatly enhances the efficiency of handling microservices architectures or multi-module projects.
Inline Editing and Long File Optimization
The inline editing interface has been comprehensively refreshed, adding full-file editing (⌘⇧⏎) and sending-to-agent (⌘L) shortcuts, improving operational fluidity. For long files, Cursor added search-and-replace tools, combined with quick-editing functions, reducing the time cost for processing ultra-long code files by about 30%, especially suitable for configuration files or large frontend projects.
Enhanced Chat Functionality
The chat functionality added options to export as Markdown and copy chats, making it convenient for developers to record AI suggestions or share discussion content. AIbase noticed that the enhanced chat interface, when combined with the Tab model, can provide more precise project-level code suggestions.
Industry Background and Competitive Landscape
The release of Cursor 0.50 coincides with fierce competition in the AI code editor market. Windsurf (developed by Codeium) recently adjusted its pricing (increasing the personal plan from $10/month to $15/month) in an attempt to attract users through lower costs, while Cursor maintains its price competitiveness (Pro plan at $20/month, including 500 fast requests) with unified request billing and flexible Max mode. AIbase analysis believes that Cursor has advantages in privacy protection (SOC2 compliant, supports private mode) and functional depth (such as multi-file editing, parallel agents). Official data shows that Cursor has served over 30,000 users and recently completed a $100 million Series B funding round (valued at $2.6 billion), providing ample financial support for continuous iteration.
The Future Benchmark for AI Programming
Through simplified pricing and feature enhancements, the Cursor 0.50 version further lowers the threshold for AI programming while providing professional developers with more powerful toolsets. The AIbase editorial team predicts that the maturity of background agents and multi-root workspaces will promote Cursor's popularity in enterprise-level development, while the token billing of Max mode provides economic guarantees for high-load tasks. In the future, Cursor may challenge the market positions of GitHub Copilot and Windsurf by optimizing agent stability and expanding language support.