During its annual developer conference, Google I/O 2026, Google announced a significant change to how Gemini usage is measured. Instead of counting the number of prompts per day, Gemini will now track usage based on compute consumed. This means that the complexity of prompts, the features used, and the length of chats will determine how quickly a user's quota is exhausted.
How the New System Works
Previously, Gemini users were restricted by a simple daily prompt cap. Now, Google says limits will refresh every five hours, but the amount of compute consumed will vary depending on the task. For instance, basic text queries will use minimal compute, whereas resource-heavy tasks like video generation and deep research will consume higher limits.
Google explained: "Gemini will move to compute-based usage limits that will refresh every 5 hours until you reach your weekly limit. Calculation of your usage will factor in the complexity of your prompt, the features you use, and the length of your chat. Paid users have higher limits than users without a Google AI subscription."
Premium Features and Usage
Premium models and features require more usage and may cause users to reach their limit faster. This includes media generation (images, videos, and music), Deep Research, the Pro Model, and extended thinking features like Deep Think.
Usage Limits by Plan
- Without a plan: Standard limits
- AI Plus: 2x higher than standard limits
- AI Pro: 4x higher than standard limits
- AI Ultra: 5x or 20x higher than AI Pro depending on subscription
Impact on Users
Casual users who rely on Google Gemini for basic day-to-day queries will not notice any major change. On the other hand, professionals using Gemini for coding, media creation, or enterprise-scale tasks will now need to monitor their compute usage more carefully. Google confirmed that limits for users under 18 remain unchanged.
Google stated that the new system helps manage resource-heavy features such as image, video, and music generation, while encouraging users to upgrade to higher-tier plans for intensive workloads.
About the Author
The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. The coverage spans gadget launches, reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports, and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. From how-tos to the latest in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, and platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, the TOI Tech Desk brings news with accuracy and authenticity.
