The extensive adoption of the service also provided Google a native way to enhance its machine learning algorithms. Google highlights in its blog post that over four trillion photos are stored on Google Photos, with 28 billion new photos and videos uploaded every week.
Launched in 2015, Google Photos gained huge popularity among smartphone users, thanks to the free storage benefit it offered. This means Pixel users will also have to compromise for storage space to some extent. Other users, who don't own a Pixel phone, have had a 15GB cap for uploading ‘original quality' photos and videos that did not apply to Pixel phones up until now.
But unlike before, they will also not be able to access unlimited storage for their content in its original file size. Google has also given an advantage to Pixel phone users as they will be exempted from the latest change and will continue to be able to upload their photos and videos in ‘high quality' from their devices even after June 1. Thus, the change will be effective for the uploads taking place after June 1. Google has, however, clearly mentioned in its blog post that any photos or videos you've uploaded in ‘high quality' - and not the ‘original quality' - before June 1 will not count against the 15GB cap.
Google is additionally bringing a policy to delete data from inactive accounts that have not been signed in for at least two years.Īs a result of the latest update, any new photos and videos you upload on Google Photos starting June 1 will count toward the free 15GB storage limit as part of your Google Account. It is aimed to help Google convince more people to get a paid Google One subscription that brings cloud storage for Google Photos, along with Google Drive and Gmail, of up to 30TB space. The new change will come into effect on June 1, 2021. Google Photos is ending its very enticing free unlimited storage benefit and will start charging for the storage space your photos and videos take over the 15GB quota.