Google is changing access to its Gemini models, with free users set to lose access to Gemini Flash and Pro starting October 9.
Under the new setup, users on the free Gemini tier will have their prompts handled by Gemini Flash-Lite, which Google describes as its most cost-effective model. Flash currently offers higher capabilities than Flash-Lite, while Pro is designed for more complex tasks and advanced reasoning.
Google is also removing Gemini 3.1 Pro from the $5-per-month Google AI Plus tier in the US. The model is designed for tasks involving complex mathematics, coding, and processing larger amounts of text, files, images, and videos.
Users who need those capabilities will need to move to the more expensive Google AI Pro plan, which costs $20 per month in the US. Google AI Ultra, which offers higher usage limits and additional capabilities, starts at $100 per month.
Alongside the model changes, Google is introducing new effort level settings. Users will be able to select Low, Medium, or High depending on how much reasoning they want Gemini to apply. Higher effort levels are expected to produce more thorough responses but will also consume more of a user’s usage limit.
Google AI Ultra subscribers will additionally get access to Deep Think, which is intended for Gemini’s most demanding tasks.
Google also said AI Ultra subscribers will get access to Gemini 4 Argon once it becomes generally available. The model is currently limited to members of Google’s Fairwind Program for governments and trusted partners.
The pricing mentioned above is based on Google’s US subscription rates; the source does not specify whether the same pricing or model availability will apply to the Philippines.