Google restricts free Gemini users to Flash-Lite, sparking user backlash
Glittering_Item_9179 · reddit · 2026-10-17
A long-time free Gemini user reports Google has locked Flash and Pro models behind paywalls, leaving free users with only the weakest Flash-Lite model. The post criticizes the downgrade as a money grab and says they're switching back to ChatGPT. The attached screenshot shows the Gemini app stuck on Flash-Lite High, repeatedly spitting out the word "pathetic" in a loop.
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