The Google AI Pro plan just got a quiet downgrade (www.androidcentral.com)

Google has quietly modified its AI Pro plan, transitioning from a fixed message limit to a credit-based quota system, impacting users of its AI tool, Gemini. This change means that the complexity of prompts and the features used can now significantly affect the quota consumed, with reports of single prompts using up to 30% of a user's quota. The implementation of a rolling five-hour usage window and stricter weekly caps has left many users frustrated, particularly since these limits also apply across various Google services that incorporate Gemini features. This shift is notable for the AI/ML community, as it mirrors the usage-based models seen in other AI systems like Claude, suggesting a move toward more scalable, cost-effective AI inference practices. However, the timing has raised eyebrows, coming right after an extensive showcase of Gemini's capabilities at Google I/O 2026. While Google has attempted to add value by increasing cloud storage for subscribers, the new restrictions have led many power users to consider switching to the more expensive $100/month Ultra plan, prompting discussions about the long-term sustainability of Google's AI pricing strategy and user satisfaction.