Google is testing changes to free Gmail storage for some new accounts, according to reports from multiple outlets. The test limits newly created Gmail accounts to 5GB of storage at first. Users can then access Google’s standard 15GB free storage by adding a phone number during account setup or afterward, depending on how the rollout appears in practice. TechRadar reports this as a storage “policy” test rather than an end to the broader 15GB offering, noting that Google’s sign-up flow already sometimes requests a phone number. Slashdot adds that Google does not specify which regions are affected, and that early user reports are mostly from African countries, though it is unclear whether this reflects the true scope of the experiment or only early reporting. Both sources indicate that existing Gmail accounts with the standard 15GB free storage are not affected by the change. Slashdot also points to wording updates on a Google support page, noting that references to “up to 15GB” appear to have changed and may align with the testing approach. Overall, the available information suggests Google is running an experiment on new sign-ups rather than applying an immediate global reduction for current users.