Google to End Free Access to Gemini Flash and Pro on October 9

Under the change, all free inquiries on Gemini will use Flash-Lite, which Google calls its most cost-effective model. Flash is a step up from Lite, while Pro was designed for advanced reasoning and more complex tasks. Free users can currently choose among Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro, but those options will no longer be available to nonpaying accounts.

Paying users are also affected. Engadget reported that Google AI Plus, the company's cheapest subscription tier at $5 a month in the US, will lose access to the Gemini 3.1 Pro model. The Verge reported the same change and listed AI Plus at $4.99 a month. Google says Pro excels at complex math and coding prompts and has a deeper understanding across text, files, images, and videos than other models. People who use Gemini for coding or as a study aid and need it to digest large amounts of documents and other materials may need an AI Pro plan. Engadget said AI Pro costs $20 a month and AI Ultra at least $100 a month; The Verge listed those tiers at $19.99 and $99.99 per month, respectively. The Verge reported that AI Plus subscribers will receive an email telling them when they will lose access to Pro.

After the changes, access to the top-tier Gemini Pro model and a Deep Think advanced reasoning option will be restricted to Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers, according to The Verge. Google is also adding effort-level choices for each model: low, medium, and high. The levels give models increasing ability to complete tasks, and the higher the level, the more thorough the answers, though it also consumes more of the user's limit. AI Ultra subscribers will get access to Deep Think if they need Gemini's maximum capabilities.

AI Ultra subscribers will also get access to Gemini 4 Argon when it becomes available to the general public. At present, Gemini 4 Argon is only available to members of Google's Fairwind Program for governments and trusted partners. The Verge reported that users will still be able to choose low, medium, and high effort levels for each model, but using higher effort levels could burn through the Gemini usage limit faster.

Editor's Summary

Google will limit free Gemini users to Flash-Lite starting October 9, while AI Plus subscribers will lose access to Gemini Pro. Access to Gemini Pro and Deep Think will require AI Pro or AI Ultra subscriptions, and Google is adding effort-level controls and Gemini 4 Argon access for Ultra users.