Gemini app limiting what models free & AI Plus users can access, AI Pro adding Deep Think
9to5 Google 2026-10-03 20:57:47
Context: Google is introducing limitations on the Gemini models that free users and AI Plus subscribers can access, effective October 9. The changes come after a compute-based usage change in May and will impact users who do not pay for Gemini. The updates will also bring new features, including "Deep Think" for AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers.
Key Facts
- Free Gemini app users will be limited to the 3.5 Flash-Lite model, losing access to 3.6 Flash and 3.1 Pro models starting October 9.
- AI Plus subscribers, who pay $4.99 per month, will be limited to Flash-Lite and Flash models, with Pro no longer available, and will receive an explanatory email.
- AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers, who pay $19.99 per month, will gain access to the "Deep Think" option for "maximum parallel reasoning".
- Google will introduce new "low," "medium," and "high" effort levels for each available model, allowing for more thorough answers but using more of the user's limit.