Google to limit free access to Gemini Flash Lite from 9 October
From 9 October, free Google Gemini users will have access only to Gemini Flash Lite. Google will announce by email the date when Gemini Pro will be removed from the Google AI Plus plan. The Deep Think option will require Google AI Pro or Google AI Ultra.
Restrictions on the free Google Gemini plan will begin on 9 October 2026: users will retain access only to Gemini Flash Lite. According to Google, subscribers will be notified by email of the date when Gemini Pro will be removed from the Google AI Plus plan. Access to Gemini Pro and the Deep Think advanced reasoning option will be reserved for the Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra plans.
The change applies to personal accounts. The free plan currently also offers Gemini Flash and access to Gemini Pro. Gemini Flash will now require at least the Google AI Plus plan at 4.99 USD per month. Access to all three models will be available on the Google AI Pro plan at 19.99 USD per month or the Google AI Ultra plan. Sources differ in the range of pricing options they list for Google AI Ultra: The Verge lists 99.99 USD per month, while The Decoder lists 99.99 or 199.99 USD per month.
According to Google, each model will continue to offer a choice of low, medium and high reasoning effort. However, the company says a higher level may use up the usage allowance more quickly.
Why it matters
A free option remains available for occasional use, but without the choice of Gemini Flash or Gemini Pro. Users who need Gemini Pro will have to choose a subscription costing at least 19.99 USD per month; the plan at 4.99 USD will no longer provide this access. According to Google, intensive use will also depend on the chosen reasoning level, which may affect how quickly the usage allowance is consumed.
What was added since the original report
Verified updates
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Restrictions on the free plan will begin on 9 October.; Google will notify subscribers by email of the date when Gemini Pro will be removed from AI Plus.; The Deep Think option will be available only on the AI Pro and AI Ultra plans.; Higher reasoning levels may use up the usage allowance more quickly.
- Restrictions on the free plan will begin on 9 October.
- Google will notify subscribers by email of the date when Gemini Pro will be removed from AI Plus.
- The Deep Think option will be available only on the AI Pro and AI Ultra plans.
- Higher reasoning levels may use up the usage allowance more quickly.
Relevant practical impact
What this means
For individuals
If you use Gemini Pro for work on the Google AI Plus plan, your current subscription will stop providing this access. You should receive an individual email with the date of the change.
Check the original
Event sources
confirmed by 2 independent sources · 2 publishers, 2 independent. We count feeds from the same owner only once.