Google to Limit Free Gemini to Flash Lite From October 9, Moving Pro Behind Pricier Tiers
The Verge AI · rss · 2026-10-06
Google is tightening free access to Gemini starting October 9.
- Free users, who could previously pick Flash Lite, Flash, or Pro, will be limited to Flash Lite only. The standard Flash model requires the $4.99/month Google AI Plus plan.
- AI Plus itself is being downgraded: it will no longer include Gemini Pro, with Google emailing subscribers when they lose access.
- After the change, Gemini Pro and the "Deep Think" advanced reasoning option will be restricted to Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers.
A clear shrinkage of the free tier, moving the paywall further up the model lineup.
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