Google is tightening access to its Gemini AI models this month, restricting free users to a single option where three were previously available.
From October 9, users without a Google AI subscription will only be able to use Flash-Lite. Flash and Pro, which were previously accessible at no cost, will move behind a paywall.
Google AI Plus subscribers will gain access to Flash-Lite and Flash, but not Pro. The company said it will notify Plus subscribers by email when the changes apply to their accounts.
Full model access, covering Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro, will be limited to Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers. Those tiers will also unlock Deep Think, a reasoning option Google describes as designed for maximum parallel processing on complex tasks.
Google has not publicly stated a reason for the change, but the move follows a broader pattern across the AI industry of using tiered access to convert free users into paying subscribers.
