Google will stop free Gemini accounts from accessing the Flash and Pro models from Oct. 9.

On Oct. 6, Engadget reported that free users will only be able to use Google’s low-cost model, Flash Lite.

The Gemini app and web currently let users choose from three models via a top dropdown menu or next to the desktop input box. From Oct. 9, free accounts will be limited to Flash Lite. Google has introduced Flash Lite as a highly cost-efficient model. It explained that Flash offers one step higher performance and Pro is suited for advanced reasoning and complex tasks.

The change will not apply only to free users. Google AI Plus subscribers, who pay $5 a month in the United States, will also lose access to the Pro model. AI Plus users can use Flash Lite and Flash, while the Pro model is offered to AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers. Google said Pro is strong at handling complex math and coding prompts and has broad understanding across text, files, images and video, making it suitable for coding and learning.

Google AI Pro costs $20 a month in the United States, and AI Ultra is at least $100 a month. As a result, key Gemini features such as higher-performance models and higher usage limits appear to be reshaped around higher-tier plans.

Google is also offering an “effort level” setting by model. Users can choose low, medium or high. A higher level improves the model’s ability to carry out tasks and makes responses more thorough, but it also uses up more of the usage limit.

AI Ultra subscribers also get Gemini’s maximum parallel reasoning feature, called “Deep Think”. Deep Think runs on the Pro model and may take more time to generate answers.

Google also unveiled Gemini 4 Argon, its next-generation frontier model, on Sept. 30. It is currently being offered first to trusted cybersecurity experts through the “Fairwind Programme”. Google said it plans to expand access in stages, starting with paid API users and Google AI Ultra subscribers and then to developers, companies and general users. A detailed release schedule for general users has not yet been set.