Google is reportedly considering reducing free storage for new Gmail and other service users, in a potential shift to its long-standing offering.
According to reports, some newly created accounts may receive 5 GB of free storage instead of the standard 15 GB, which is shared across Gmail, Google Drive and Google Photos.
The Google has for years provided 15 GB of free storage with every account. However, users have recently noted changes in wording on Google’s support pages, where “15 GB free” has reportedly been replaced with “up to 15 GB free.”
Technology reports also claim that some new users are now being offered 5 GB of storage unless they verify their accounts using a mobile phone number. Full 15 GB storage may be restored after verification at no additional cost.
A Reddit user reportedly claimed that a newly created account initially showed only 5 GB of storage, with full capacity unlocked after adding a phone number.
The reported move is believed to be aimed at preventing misuse of free accounts and limiting repeated sign-ups to exploit storage offers.
Phone number verification is also reportedly becoming more common during account creation, with some users unable to bypass the step.
Meanwhile, Google has recently expanded storage limits for paid artificial intelligence subscription users, increasing storage capacity up to 5 TB. The company has not yet issued an official statement regarding any changes to its free storage policy.
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