Google Limits Newer Gemini Models for Lower Tiers as Android Auto Warnings Appear

Google updated its support page to detail access and limits for its frontier models, Android Authority reported. The support page says users without a Google AI subscription will be limited to Gemini 3.5-Flash-Lite, cutting off access to Gemini 3.6 Flash or newer variants. The report's summary also said free users would be restricted to Gemini 3.1-Flash-Lite and that AI Plus subscribers would lose access to Gemini 3.1 Pro, while the body cited the 3.5-Flash-Lite limit. Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers keep the same access as before.

The model changes come as Google has been issuing near-monthly updates to its lightweight Gemini models. Android Authority noted that Gemini 3.8 Flash arrived in September, there is no word on Gemini 3.9 Flash, and Google has begun closed testing of Gemini 4 'Argon' before a wider release. Google may also release the first advanced reasoning model since Gemini 3.1 Pro.

In Android Auto, Android 10 users are starting to receive warnings that the app will soon stop working on their phones. The notifications say 'Phone will no longer be supported,' followed by a warning that Android Auto will soon stop working because the device cannot update to the required Android version, Android Authority reported. The alerts suggest Google may raise the minimum requirement for wired Android Auto connections to Android 11.

Google has not announced the change. Its support pages still list Android 9 Pie as the minimum for wired Android Auto, according to the report. Android Auto has already left older Android versions behind: Google dropped support for Android 8 Oreo and older devices in 2022 and moved the minimum to Android 9 Pie in 2024.

Google is also working on a new Gemini animation for Android Auto, Android Authority found in version 17.9.664004 of the Android Auto app. The animation uses Google's Neural Expressive design language and features dots around the Gemini interface, spanning the full width of the screen with the close button and Gemini Live button on either side. It is still a work in progress and was enabled on a device for a first look. Currently, Gemini in Android Auto shows a subtle glow at the bottom or side of the infotainment screen while listening.

Google is continuing work on a 'Personalization' option for Gemini in Android Auto. Strings found in the app indicate that, if enabled, Gemini in the car will respond with information from past chats and connected apps such as Gmail and Google Calendar, and display personal results on the screen. The feature would work like it does on a smartphone, according to the strings. No release date has been given, and it is unclear when or whether these features will roll out.

Editor's Summary Google is narrowing access to newer Gemini models for free and AI Plus users while keeping Pro and Ultra access unchanged, Android Authority reported. Android 10 users are seeing warnings that Android Auto will soon stop working, with alerts pointing to a possible Android 11 minimum for wired connections. Google is also developing a new Neural Expressive animation and personalization features for Gemini in Android Auto.