Observed Signal · May 15, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: t3n · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Google Tests 5GB Default Storage; 15GB Needs Phone
Reports indicate Google is testing a change to the free cloud storage allocation for new accounts: newly created Google accounts may receive only 5 GB by default, with the full 15 GB unlocked only after a phone number is added for verification. The change is reflected in an updated Google support page that now says users receive “up to 15 GB” rather than a flat 15 GB. A Reddit user and coverage on AndroidCentral surfaced the test; Google says the phone number is used to ensure the bonus storage is granted only once per person. Observers note the move could aim to curb bot/misuse or nudge users toward paid storage plans. The article was published by t3n on 2026-05-15.
A policy change being tested by a major platform (Google) can affect user identity collection (phone verification), account onboarding friction, and potential monetization (paid storage upsell); platform-level policy updates have broader industry relevance.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Google is reportedly testing a default free cloud storage allocation of 5 GB for new accounts.
- The full 15 GB of free storage is said to be unlocked only after a user links a phone number for verification.
- Google updated its support page wording from each account having 15 GB to stating users receive "up to 15 GB".
- Sources for the reports include a Reddit user report and coverage by AndroidCentral; t3n published the summary on 2026-05-15.
- Google states the phone number is used to ensure the bonus free storage is granted only once per person.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google Will Count Android Device Backups Against Storage
Google has updated its support guidance: system backups from Android devices will now count against a user's Google account storage quota. The change means SMS/MMS, call logs, device settings and app data included in device backups are subject to the account's available storage (15 GB free by default). Android settings will provide controls to select which device data to back up; Pixel devices already offer this control. Google lists which file types are and are not counted on its support pages. The article notes that users who need more space can subscribe to Google One (100 GB plans start at €2/month) and compares Google’s free 15 GB to Apple iCloud’s 5 GB free tier (iCloud+ 50 GB for €1/month).
Google counts Android backups toward account storage
Google will begin charging Android device backups against users' Google account storage as of 2026-07-07 for new backup users, with existing accounts to be included in the coming months. Affected backup types include call history, device settings, app data and SMS (photos and videos were already counted). Google estimates the additional backup data will average around 40 MB, but actual usage depends on each device's stored content. To offset the change, Google is rolling out new toggles that let users exclude specific backup items or individual apps from backups. Users who need more space can upgrade to Google One, with plans starting at €2/month for 100 GB up to €220/month for 30 TB; higher tiers include additional AI features.
Google updates Gemini usage limits
Google changed usage limits for its Gemini apps, with the new rules taking effect on May 17, 2026. Limits are computed based on resource usage rather than a fixed request count: factors include request complexity, chat length, and use of features such as video, music, image generation, Deep Think, Deep Research and Pro models. Google says limits refresh every five hours until a user's weekly cap is reached. Free accounts have standard limits; paid tiers increase capacity (AI Plus = 2x, AI Pro = 4x, AI Ultra = 5x or 20x depending on plan). Users can view their consumption while logged into the same Google account at gemini.google.com/usage. The changes apply to users aged 18 and over.
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