Introduction
Google has recently tightened the Gemini 3 Pro limits for free users, a move driven by the "high demand" seen since its launch. While users without a Google AI plan initially enjoyed a set quota of daily prompts, the model has shifted to a more fluid and restrictive approach. This decision affects not just text conversations but also image generation via Nano Banana Pro and advanced features in NotebookLM.
Changes in Access Limits
At the launch of Gemini 3 Pro, free users were granted "Up to 5 prompts / day," matching the previous standards of Gemini 2.5 Pro. Similarly, Nano Banana Pro (Gemini 3 Pro Image) allowed for generation and editing of "Up to 3 images / day." However, Google has updated these terms in the past few days.
Now, for "Thinking with 3 Pro," free users are guaranteed only "Basic access," where daily limits "may change frequently." While the wording allows for flexibility, the industry trend and the explicit note on high demand point towards a decrease in availability.
Nano Banana Pro and Image Restrictions
The changes are even more concrete regarding visual content. Access to Nano Banana Pro has been updated to a hard limit of "2 images / day." Google accompanied this restriction with a note stating: "Image generation & editing is in high demand. Limits may change frequently and will reset daily."
Impact on NotebookLM and New Studio Features
The overwhelming demand has also impacted NotebookLM. On Tuesday, Google "temporarily rolled back access" to new Nano Banana Pro-powered Infographics and Slide Decks for free users, while implementing "additional limits" for Pro users. The company cited capacity constraints and plans to return to normal operations as soon as possible.
New Studio Options
Despite the limits, the new features remain powerful for those with access:
- Infographics: Create high-quality visual summaries of sources. Customization includes orientation (landscape, portrait, square) and detail level (concise, standard, detailed), with prompt fields for style and color.
- Slide Decks: Designed for presentations or reading. Options include Detailed Deck (comprehensive text for reading) and Presenter Slides (clean visuals with key talking points).
Conclusion
While Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers see no changes, the window of broad access for free users is narrowing. The new Gemini 3 Pro limits reflect Google's challenge in balancing massive public interest with available computational resources.
FAQ
Here are quick answers regarding the changes to access limits.
- What are the new Gemini 3 Pro limits for free users?
Free users now have "Basic access" where daily limits are not fixed and may change frequently based on demand. - How many images can I generate with Nano Banana Pro for free?
The limit has been reduced to a hard cap of 2 images per day, resetting daily. - Why did NotebookLM roll back features?
Due to overwhelming demand, Google temporarily removed access to Infographics and Slide Decks for free users and limited Pro users. - Are there changes for Google AI Pro subscribers?
No, there are no changes to usage limits for users on the Pro or Ultra plans. - What are Slide Decks in NotebookLM?
They are AI-generated presentations, available as detailed decks for reading or visual slides to support a speaker.