I must say I was surprised it took this long. Google has announced it has terminated the free Google Apps for Business package. Keep in mind that this in no way affects regular Google users, using their regular Google Docs/Drive, Calendar, etc. it's just for the Google Apps subscribers.
Until now, Google had two different packages: free for personal/businesses with up to 50 people, or $50 per user per year for those with more requirements (and access to premium features like larger inboxes and 24/7 customer support). In the process, a lot of free users complaing, due to the fact that lots of services that are deployed for personal use take a long time to reach the "Google Apps" accounts.
So... Google is now making it clear that Google Apps is intended for business only, and from now on, any and every Google Apps account will be available in a single version: with the $50/user/year price - which includes 24/7 phone support for any issue, a 25GB inbox, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee with no scheduled downtime.
For individuals, Google advises they should create a free personal Google Account, which provides free access to all their web services on any device.
If you're currently using a free Google Apps account, you don't need to worry though. Existing users with the free account will be able to keep it - and schools and universities will still be able to use the free Google Apps for Education version.
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