Microsoft is poised to make its AI-powered Office features more collaborative, allowing Family and Premium subscribers to share benefits like Copilot with up to five other members. However, the new model will limit OneDrive storage to a shared 2TB pool, sparking debates on whether it's a move for flexibility or just a clever upsell.
The changes, set to roll out after the first renewal on 2nd May 2027, include a shift from individual AI feature limits to a single allowance that can be flexibly applied. There’s also an option to purchase more AI usage when needed.
Microsoft argues that the shared storage model makes it easier to manage if one member exceeds their allotted space. But critics see it as a means to push more OneDrive storage, with existing subscribers potentially qualifying for transitional bonus storage.
These updates come a year after the launch of Microsoft 365 Premium, which offers Copilot Pro and a Family subscription for $19.99 a month. The flexibility in AI usage could lead some to pay more, depending on their usage patterns.
