Google is changing which Gemini models users can access based on their subscription plans, with free users set to lose access to the Flash and Pro models from October 9.
Under the new system, users without a Google AI subscription will have access only to Gemini Flash-Lite. AI Plus subscribers will retain Flash-Lite and Flash but will no longer have access to Pro.
The changes come after Google introduced compute-based usage limits for Gemini earlier this year. The company’s updated support page says model availability will depend on the user’s Google AI plan.
| Plan | Flash-Lite | Flash | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| No subscription | ✓ | — | — |
| AI Plus | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| AI Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI Ultra | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
AI Pro gets Deep Think
Google is also expanding access to Deep Think, a feature designed for more complex reasoning tasks.
The option was previously available only to AI Ultra subscribers. It will now also be available to AI Pro users, who pay $19.99 a month, according to the updated plan information.
Google describes Deep Think as an option for “maximum parallel reasoning.” The company says it can provide more thorough answers and handle complex tasks, although using higher-effort reasoning also consumes more of a user’s usage allowance.
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AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers will also be able to select low, medium or high effort levels for each model available to them. The higher settings are designed to give models more resources for difficult tasks but use more of the user’s limit.
How the new limits work
Google began moving Gemini toward compute-based usage limits in May. Instead of treating every prompt in the same way, the system takes into account factors such as the complexity of a request, the features used and the length of the conversation.
Limits refresh every five hours until users reach their weekly allowance. Paid plans receive higher limits.
Under Google’s current system, AI Plus users receive twice the standard limit, while AI Pro users receive four times the standard limit. AI Ultra users receive five or 20 times the AI Pro limit, depending on the subscription.
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Google’s latest change therefore affects more than the number of prompts users can send. It also determines which models they can choose in the first place.
Free users will be restricted to Flash-Lite, while AI Plus users will have Flash-Lite and Flash. Pro and Ultra subscribers will retain access to all three models.
Google said AI Plus subscribers will receive an email explaining when the changes will take effect on their accounts.
