Google restricts Gemini models available on its free and lower-tier plans.
Starting October 9, 2026, Google will restrict Gemini, available to free individual users, to only the lightweight, high-speed 'Flash-Lite' model. Subscription users with 'AI Plus' can access the higher-tier 'Flash' model, and using Gemini Pro requires a subscription to either 'AI Pro' or 'AI Ultra'.
Google AI Plus and free users are losing access to Gemini models, and it's happening very soon
Accessing Gemini Models and Changing Usage Limits - Gemini App Help
https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/17004136
The following applies to AI subscription plans and available Gemini models. Previously, Flash was available to free users, but from now on, only Flash-Lite will be available. Also, the 'AI Plus' plan, which previously allowed access up to Pro, will now only be available up to Flash. Changes for free users will take effect from October 9, 2026, and 'AI Plus' plan subscribers will be notified by email.
| Flash-Lite | Flash | Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| free | ✔ | ✕ | ✕ |
| AI Plus | ✔ | ✔ | ✕ |
| AI Pro | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AI Ultra | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Google initially offered Gemini as a free or paid option. Then, in May 2025, they announced 'AI Ultra,' the most unrestricted plan, and the original paid plan was renamed 'AI Pro.'
Google announces 'Google AI Ultra,' an AI subscription plan costing approximately 36,000 yen per month - GIGAZINE
'AI Plus' is the newest plan, designed to be affordable, and it was launched in Japan in January 2026.
As of October 2026, 'AI Plus' is available for ¥725 per month, 'AI Pro' for ¥2,900 per month, and 'AI Ultra' for ¥14,500 per month.
Access Gemini 3.1 Pro and more with Google AI Pro and Ultra.
https://gemini.google/subscriptions/
Related Posts:
in AI, Posted by logc_nt