Google Photos to end free, unlimited storage: what difference does it make for you?

Google Photos storage had previously been free and unlimited for ‘high quality’ shots. — AFP Relaxnews

Google has announced that, from June 1, 2021, all content added to the firm’s Photos platform – regardless of quality – will count towards the account-holder’s 15GB of free storage. Beyond that, users will have to buy more space by signing up for a Google One subscription. Thankfully, until the deadline comes, it’s still possible to upload an unlimited number of photos, which won't count towards the storage limit in the future.

Currently, pictures backed up in high quality to Google Photos are stored free of charge and in unlimited numbers, although files are compressed slightly to save on storage space. Videos over 1080p are also reformatted to HD (1080p). Only photos imported in their original quality are currently deducted from the 15GB free storage limit for Google accounts, beyond which, users have to pay for more.