Microsoft 365 Family subscribers will be able to share Copilot benefits

Microsoft plans to let Microsoft 365 Family and Premium subscribers share Copilot benefits and AI usage with up to five other people on a plan. The changes are outlined in an email to subscribers seen by The Verge.

Microsoft says individual limits for AI features will become a single usage allowance that subscribers can apply to the advanced features they use most. Subscribers will also be able to purchase more AI usage. Families will be able to manage AI access for younger members.

The storage allowance will change from 1 TB per person to 2 TB shared across a plan, while members keep separate accounts and private files. Microsoft says this change will apply after a subscriber’s first renewal after May 2, 2027. The Verge reports that Microsoft argues shared storage offers more flexibility when one member exceeds 1 TB. The publication characterizes the change as a downside and suggests it could encourage purchases of additional OneDrive storage.

A Microsoft support note says existing subscribers in eligible markets might qualify for transitional bonus storage. Microsoft also plans to provide support to families that use a lot of storage.

The changes follow the launch of Microsoft 365 Premium a year ago. The plan combines Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Family benefits for $19.99 a month. The Verge notes that the new AI allowance could lead some subscribers to pay more, depending on their Copilot use.