Google changes Gemini access: Free users will only be able to use Flash-Lite starting October 9

Google is preparing to gradually change the access rules for Gemini models on personal Google accounts starting this month. According to the company's notification, the new regulation will narrow the model options available to users who do not have any paid artificial intelligence plans.

Under the new regulation, the rules for free users will take effect on October 9. After this date, accounts without a subscription will only be able to run Flash-Lite models on Gemini. Thus, standard Flash and Pro series models will be excluded from the scope of free usage.

ACCESS WILL BE SEGMENTED BY PACKAGE

In Google's new planning, users with an AI Plus subscription will be able to access standard Flash models in addition to Flash-Lite. The company states that it will send emails to AI Plus users informing them exactly when these changes will be reflected in their accounts.

Users who want to access the Pro series, which is among Gemini's more advanced models, will need to have at least an AI Pro subscription. This structure creates a clearer distinction in terms of model access between packages such as free, AI Plus, AI Pro, and AI Ultra.

Google will not only change model access. The company also plans to add three different "thinking levels" to Gemini models that can be selected according to the complexity of the tasks. Users will be able to adjust how the models generate responses according to the task by choosing between different levels: low, medium, and high.

While the new regulation means a more limited experience for those using Gemini for free, it shows that advanced model options are increasingly being tied to paid subscription tiers.

News Source: 12punto