Google has reduced usage allowances for users who do not hold a Google AI Pro subscription after demand for Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro far exceeded expectations.
Previously, free accounts could make up to five daily interactions with Gemini 3 Pro and could create or edit up to three images with Nano Banana Pro. Under the new “Basic access” tier for Gemini 3 Pro the company has removed fixed numerical caps. Instead, Google says daily limits “may change depending on the time period” and will vary with real time demand.
For Nanp Banana Pro the daily allotment for free users is now two images. When a user reaches that limit they will be switched automatically to the standard Nano Banana model.
The changes also affect NotebookLM. Google has temporarily turned off some features for free accounts, including the ability to make Infographics and Slide Decks. Those features remain available to Pro subscribers but are subject to limits.
Google blamed the sudden policy shifts on an unprecedented spike in activity that strained its systems. “Due to a significant increase in usage, we faced heavy processing issues, which is the reason for adjusting the usage limits at this time,” the company stated, promising to accelerate efforts to return the situation to normal as soon as possible.
The company said the new rules aim to keep services stable while it scales capacity and evaluates long term access policies. Free users will see tighter limits until traffic eases or infrastructure is upgraded. Pro subscribers will continue to receive higher allowances and feature access.
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