Google Photos is ending free storage service and will soon start charging for storage of more than 15GB from June 1st, 2021.
After offering nearly five years of unlimited photo storage, the brand has finally decided to monetize the app. We barely have 4-5 days to use the free version of almost everyone’s favorite photos and videos backup space.
If you have used more than 15 gigs or have been uploading pictures in high-quality, then you are almost certain to have to buy a Google One Subscription for further use. However, all existing content will remain unaffected and exempt from the storage limit.
This change is going to unveil itself with other Google Drive Policy changes. For example, deleting data from inactive accounts that haven’t been used for at least two years. Google is also counting Google Workspace documents and spreadsheets from the new update.
The new Google Photos will have a “Review and delete” option. This will allow you to revise the large-sized files, blurry pictures, and screenshots. The reviewed or deleted photo with count towards Google Account Storage. However, existing ‘High-quality’ photos and videos are exempt from storage confinement.
The changes should have been expected but we were so busy enjoying the space, no one thought about what if….? But now when Google Photos is ending free storage policy, it’s time to finally think about it and look out for alternatives. Because memories should stay, forever and after.
If your storage limit exceeds 15GB, you can subscribe to Google One’s plan of 100GB, 200GB, and 2TB for $1.99, $2.99, and $9.99 per month. Similarly, a yearly plan comes at $19.99, $29.99, and $99.99 respectively.
The subscription comes with some added features like we can get 3% back in the Google Store alongside VPN for Android phones.
Good news!?
The silver lining of the news is that the storage will still be unlimited for Google Pixel 5 or earlier Pixel phones. This means the new storage limit won’t affect Pixel phone users and will continue receiving unlimited free storage options.
