Google plans Gemini model access changes from October 9

Google plans to change access to Gemini models for free users and subscribers to its AI Plus plan starting October 9, according to an updated support page attributed to the company. Under the plan, free users will be limited to the FlashLite model, while AI Plus subscribers will retain access to FlashLite and Flash but lose access to Pro models. The change has been announced but has not yet taken effect. The reports describe the October 9 date as the planned start, and do not establish whether the restrictions will be applied to all affected accounts on that date. Google’s support information also says users will be able to choose low, medium or high effort settings when using models. Higher effort is expected to use a user’s allowance faster, according to the page. The reports do not detail how those allowances vary among users or plans. Subscribers to Google AI Pro are set to gain access to Deep Think, a feature previously limited to higher subscription tiers, the support information says. One report also says Google AI Pro and Ultra users will not have quota reductions; the available accounts do not provide further details about the terms for those plans.