# Google limits free Gemini AI to its smallest model

> From October 2026, free Google accounts will only get the Flash‑Lite Gemini model, and the $4.99 AI Plus plan will lose Pro access.

Oossa · 2026-10-04 · https://oossa.com/en/google-limits-free-gemini-ai-to-its-smallest-model

Starting in October 2026, Google will change the Gemini AI models that free personal accounts can use. Free users will only be able to run the smallest model, called Flash‑Lite. The larger Flash and Pro models will be removed from the free tier.

## How the new subscription tiers work

Google’s AI Plus subscription, priced at $4.99 a month, will still give access to Flash‑Lite and Flash but will no longer include the Pro model. To use Flash or Pro, users must upgrade to AI Pro ($19.99/month) or the higher‑priced AI Ultra plans ($99.99 or $199.99 per month). The tier layout mirrors OpenAI’s freemium approach for ChatGPT.

## The facts

- Free Google accounts will only have access to the Flash‑Lite Gemini model starting in October 2026.
- The current free tier also includes the 3.6 Flash model and limited access to the 3.1 Pro model.
- AI Plus subscribers at $4.99 per month will lose Pro access and be limited to Flash‑Lite and Flash.
- AI Pro costs $19.99 per month and includes Flash‑Lite, Flash, and Pro models.
- AI Ultra plans cost $99.99 or $199.99 per month and include all three models.

## Why it matters

Casual users will notice no change because they rarely know which Gemini model they are using. Power users who need the stronger models will have to pay at least $19.99 a month, which could push some to consider alternative AI services.

## Sources & references

1. [Google's new Gemini tiers cut free users to its weakest model and lock $5/month subscribers out of Pro](https://the-decoder.com/googles-new-gemini-tiers-cut-free-users-to-its-weakest-model-and-lock-5-month-subscribers-out-of-pro/) – The Decoder, 2026-10-04

Last updated: 2026-10-04