Huge Restriction for Google Gemini Users: Model Access is Changing
Google Gemini app is updating model access for free and AI Plus users as of October 9th. Here are the new model limitations.
Google is making a significant update to its Gemini app. These changes are reorganizing model access, especially for free users and AI Plus subscribers.
This new regulation within the Google Gemini app will determine which models users can access. These updates will be effective from October 9th.
New limitations on model access
According to a recent support document published by Google, free users without any Google AI subscription will now only be able to access the 3.5 Flash-Lite model. These users will no longer be able to use the 3.6 Flash or 3.1 Pro models starting October 9th.
A similar restriction applies to AI Plus subscribers. These users, who pay $4.99 per month, will now only have access to the Flash-Lite and Flash models and will not be able to use the Pro model.
These subscribers will receive an email explaining when the changes will take effect. There will be no reduction in AI Pro and AI Ultra subscriptions.
AI Pro users who pay $19.99 per month will gain access to the Deep Think option, previously only available on the $99.99 and $199.99 plans. This feature offers maximum parallel thinking capabilities, helping to complete complex tasks.
PlanFlash-LiteFlashProFreeYesNoNoAI PlusYesYesNoAI ProYesYesYesAI UltraYesYesYes
New effort levels and Gemini 4 Argon
New effort levels will be added to the Gemini application in October. Users will be able to choose one of three different levels for each model: low, medium, and high.
These new levels will increase the model’s capacity to complete missions and provide more comprehensive answers to queries. However, using these options will cause the user to consume more resources than their available limits.
Currently, users can only activate extended thinking and complex problem-solving features. The three new effort levels will be similar to the options found in Google AI Studio and Antigravity platforms.
The placement of the Gemini 4 Argon model is not yet clear. Google has announced that this model will first be offered to AI Ultra subscribers.
The company hasn’t yet specified whether the Argon model will be classified as a Pro model or if it will create a new layer on top of existing plans. What are your thoughts on these model changes on the Gemini app?
