Google and OpenAI tighten free access: Here are the new limits for Gemini 3 Pro and Sora 2

Tech users may need to rethink free AI access as Google and OpenAI quietly tighten daily limits on their newest Gemini and Sora tools.

It's not good news for those who rely on free AI tools to generate content, as major AI companies are adjusting the usage limits for their latest models. Over the past few days, Google and OpenAI have adjusted how much users can access Gemini 3 Pro and Sora 2 without paying. The move signals a shift in how major AI platforms plan to manage heavy demand and rising compute costs.

Google and OpenAI reduce free access to Gemini 3 Pro and Sora 2 AI tools. (AFP)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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Google Reduces Free Prompts and Image Generations

Google made the first change. When Gemini 3 Pro launched last week, its support page clearly stated that free users could make “up to 5 prompts per day” and generate three images through Nano Banana Pro. Now the page no longer lists specific numbers. Instead, it says free access comes with “daily limits [that] may change frequently.”

For image generation, Nano Banana Pro shortly reduced its limit to two images a day before returning to three. Google added that these numbers could vary depending on demand.

OpenAI Limits Video Generations on Sora 2

OpenAI followed a similar path with Sora 2. The company reduced the number of daily video generations for free users from 30 to six. Bill Peebles, who leads Sora at OpenAI, explained the change on X, saying the platform’s “GPUs are melting” due to high usage. The comment reflects the strain caused by video generation, which requires extensive computing power.

The latest adjustments from both companies suggest a strategy shift: free access remains available, but it will likely become more restrictive as demand grows. Google is direct in stating that paid users will get priority. Its support page notes that if capacity drops, limits for free accounts will tighten first to maintain service quality.

Paid Plans Offer More Features

The pattern shows that as generative AI evolves, companies are pushing users toward subscription tiers to support resource-heavy services. Free access remains an entry point, but the tools’ full capabilities now sit clearly behind monthly plans.