Google Tests Reduced Free Storage for New Gmail Accounts

Google is testing a reduced 5GB free storage limit for new Gmail accounts in select regions amid broader AI and cloud strategy shifts.

Google is reportedly testing a significant reduction in free cloud storage for new Gmail accounts, potentially lowering the limit from 15GB to 5GB in selected regions. The development was first reported by Android Authority and later confirmed by a Google spokesperson in comments shared with CNET.

According to the report, some newly created accounts in select African countries were provided with only 5GB of free storage instead of the standard 15GB currently shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. Users seeking additional storage reportedly needed to verify their accounts using a phone number.

A Google representative confirmed that the company is “testing a new storage policy for new accounts created in select regions” as part of efforts to maintain service quality while improving account security and recovery systems. The company indicated that verified phone numbers help prevent multi-account abuse and strengthen account recovery mechanisms.

The potential reduction represents a major shift in Google’s long-standing free storage strategy. When Gmail launched in 2004, the platform initially offered 1GB of free storage, which was considered revolutionary at the time and helped reshape email usage habits globally.

Over the following years, Google gradually increased storage allocations from 2GB to 7GB, later expanding to 10GB and eventually 15GB in 2013 when Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos were integrated into a unified cloud storage ecosystem. According to Google One, the current 15GB tier remains the standard free allocation for most users worldwide.

Industry observers believe the move may also align with Google’s broader strategy of encouraging subscriptions to paid cloud storage services under the Google One platform. In recent months, Google has expanded its premium offerings by bundling additional AI-powered features through its Gemini ecosystem.

The company recently introduced new subscription tiers focused on artificial intelligence capabilities, with plans reportedly starting at around $8 per month and including 200GB of cloud storage alongside access to enhanced AI tools. Analysts say this reflects intensifying competition among major technology companies to integrate AI services into core consumer products.

Google’s cloud storage ecosystem has become increasingly central to its broader digital services strategy, powering email, file storage, photos, productivity tools, and AI integrations across billions of users globally. Reducing free storage allowances could potentially push more users toward paid subscriptions while also lowering infrastructure costs.

At the same time, the company continues to face growing competition in both cloud services and artificial intelligence from rivals including Microsoft, OpenAI, and Apple, all of which are increasingly integrating AI-driven features into productivity ecosystems.

Google has not yet confirmed whether the reduced storage policy will expand globally or remain limited to specific regions during the testing phase.