Google is about to end free access to its Gemini Flash and Pro models. According to The Verge and Engadget, starting October 9, anyone using Gemini on a free plan will be limited to the Flash-Lite model, the company's most cost-effective option.
The change hits more than free users. Google AI Plus, the company's cheapest subscription at $4.99 per month in the US, will also lose access to Gemini Pro. Google says AI Plus subscribers will receive an email letting them know when the downgrade takes effect.
What changes on October 9
Until now, Gemini users could pick from three models in the app or on the web: Flash-Lite, Flash and Pro. After October 9, free accounts will only use Flash-Lite for every query. Flash sits a step above Lite, while Pro was built for advanced reasoning and more complex tasks.
Google is also introducing effort-level options for each model. You will be able to choose low, medium or high, with higher levels giving more thorough answers but consuming more of your usage limit. Deep Think, Google's advanced reasoning option, will be restricted to paid tiers.
- Free plan: Flash-Lite only
- AI Plus ($4.99/month): loses Gemini Pro
- AI Pro ($19.99/month): keeps Pro and Deep Think
- AI Ultra ($99.99/month): higher limits, Deep Think, early access to Gemini 4 Argon
