Using Google Gemini for Free? You’re Losing Some Models Later This Week

If you’re not paying for Gemini, you are about to lose access to the chatbot’s Flash and Pro models.

As spotted by 9to5Google, Google has updated a support page to note that it is restricting what Gemini models free and AI Plus users can use. On Oct. 9, free users will lose access to both Gemini’s 3.6 Flash and 3.1 Pro models, while AI Plus subscribers will soon be notified via email that they’re losing access to the 3.1 Pro model.

Google’s Gemini models come in three tiers. Flash-Lite is the lightest and fastest, Flash is the all-around middle option, and Pro is the most advanced.

So far, free users have had limited access to all three models. Once the new limits take effect, they will only be able to access the 3.5 Flash-Lite model. The 3.6 Flash model unlocks with Google’s $4.99-per-month AI Plus plan, while the 3.1 Pro model unlocks with a $19.99-per-month AI Pro subscription. Students, meanwhile, remain eligible for a year of Google’s AI Pro…