Key Points
- Google reduces free Nano Banana Pro image generation to two images per day, down from three.
- The company cites “high demand” and notes that limits may change frequently.
- Free Gemini 3 Pro users now receive “basic access” with variable daily limits.
- Paid AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers keep their higher limits of 100 and 500 prompts daily.
- The move mirrors earlier actions by OpenAI, which temporarily restricted free image generation after high usage.
- Google’s support document outlines the new limits and emphasizes daily resets.
- Free users may need to upgrade to maintain higher usage levels as demand grows.
Background
Google recently introduced the Nano Banana Pro model, an AI system capable of generating and editing images. Early access attracted significant interest, prompting the company to monitor usage patterns closely. In parallel, Google rolled out Gemini 3 Pro on November 18, initially promising free users five prompts per day, matching the earlier Gemini 2.5 Pro offering.
New Limits on Free Usage
According to a support document obtained by 9to5Google, Google has now lowered the free daily allowance for Nano Banana Pro image generation from three images to two. The company attributes the change to “high demand” and emphasizes that limits may be adjusted frequently, resetting each day. The same document indicates that non‑paying users of Gemini 3 Pro will receive “basic access” with daily limits that are also subject to change.
Impact on Free Users
Free users who relied on the higher quota will experience a reduction in the number of images they can create each day. This adjustment may affect hobbyists, casual creators, and anyone experimenting with AI‑driven visual content without a paid subscription. While the exact timing of future changes remains unspecified, Google signals that the limits are fluid and will adapt to usage trends.
Paid Plans Remain Unchanged
Subscribers to Google’s AI Pro or AI Ultra plans are not affected by the new restrictions. Their daily limits stay at 100 prompts for AI Pro users and 500 prompts for AI Ultra users. These tiers continue to provide unrestricted access to both Nano Banana Pro image generation and Gemini 3 Pro capabilities, preserving the premium experience for paying customers.
Industry Context
Google is not the first major AI provider to scale back free access after a feature proves popular. OpenAI previously delayed the rollout of ChatGPT’s built‑in image generator to free users, citing unexpected demand. Eventually, OpenAI extended image generation to the free tier, but the episode highlights a broader industry pattern: AI services often adjust free offerings in response to rapid adoption and resource constraints.
Looking Ahead
Google’s adjustments suggest a cautious approach to balancing widespread accessibility with sustainable service operation. As demand for AI‑generated imagery continues to grow, users may need to consider paid plans to maintain higher usage levels. The company’s statement that limits will “reset daily” and may change frequently indicates ongoing monitoring and potential future revisions.
Source: engadget.com