Google has recently implemented new restrictions on free access to its AI tools, specifically the Gemini 3 Pro and the Nano Banana Pro image generator, citing “overwhelming demand” as the primary reason. Just one week after their launch, the technology giant adjusted the usage limits for free users, marking a significant change in how these popular tools can be accessed.
Updated Access Limits for Free Users
When Gemini 3 Pro first launched, free users enjoyed the ability to submit up to five prompts per day, in line with the previous limits set for Gemini 2.5 Pro. Additionally, they could generate up to three images daily using the Nano Banana Pro model. However, these specific allowances have now been replaced by a more ambiguous designation of “Basic access.” This new classification means that “daily limits may change frequently” based on server capacity.
Moreover, the limit for image generation with Nano Banana Pro has been explicitly reduced. Free users are now restricted to generating just two images per day, down from the previous allowance of three. This adjustment reflects Google’s response to the high volume of users accessing these features.
Impact on NotebookLM Features
The capacity challenges have also affected other Google tools. Earlier in the week, the company announced a temporary rollback of certain features in NotebookLM. Free users have lost access to new capabilities such as Infographics and Slide Decks, while pro users are facing additional limits as well. In a statement, Google noted, “Due to the overwhelming demand, we’re experiencing some capacity constraints… however, we plan on bringing everything back to normal as soon as we can!”
For those who are paid subscribers, there is some good news. Usage limits for both the Google AI Pro plan, which allows for 100 prompts per day, and the Google AI Ultra plan, offering 500 prompts per day, remain unchanged. This strategy appears to prioritize paying customers while Google works to enhance its computing capacity.
As the demand for AI tools continues to surge, these adjustments underscore the challenges faced by technology companies in managing user expectations while ensuring service reliability. Google’s swift changes reflect a broader trend in the tech industry, where rapid growth can lead to significant operational pressures.
