Gemini cuts models from the free plan and AI Plus loses Pro

Gemini will restrict access for free users starting October 9. The information came from an updated support document, spotted by 9to5Google on Saturday, the 3rd. The change affects the mobile app.

Today, those using the free version can choose between Flash Lite, Flash, and Pro. However, after that date, only Flash Lite will remain available.

In practice, the Gemini 3.6 Flash and Gemini 3.1 Pro models leave the free plan. Access is limited to Gemini 3.5 Flash.

Gemini also changes things for AI Plus subscribers

The adjustments reach the intermediate plan. In this case, users are restricted to Flash Lite and Flash.

As a result, Pro no longer appears in this subscription.

The timeline remains undefined. In addition, the company states it will send an email explaining when the change takes effect.

It's worth remembering what this plan offers. For R$ 24.99 per month, it includes double the assistant access, advanced NotebookLM features, app integrations, and 400 GB of storage.

The context behind this reorganization

The change follows a trend that began in May. At that time, the company started calculating usage limits based on the computational resources required for each task.

In other words, the cost of the task became part of the equation, not just the number of messages.

Another new feature reinforces this logic. However, soon it will be possible to choose each model's effort level between low, medium, and high.

According to the support page, higher effort increases the ability to complete tasks and deliver more complete answers. In exchange, it consumes more of the available limit.

Notice the parallel with the API. This design closely resembles the reasoning effort control already present on several platforms.

Who keeps everything unlocked

The AI Pro and AI Ultra plans go through without losing any models. In addition, these subscribers keep the Deep Think option.

This feature activates the maximum parallel reasoning offered by the technology.

Gemini 4 Argon arrived first at the top of the lineup

The latest model launched at the end of September. Access went to AI Ultra subscribers, whose monthly fee starts at R$ 779.90.

The classification is still unclear. It remains undefined whether it will receive the Pro label or another category.

The first rollout had a specific audience. In addition, selected cybersecurity partners received the version earlier.

The stated focus involves complex, long-running tasks. According to the developer, the results compare to systems like Astra and Opus.

What this signals for those building on AI

First, top-tier models in free plans tend to disappear. Inference cost explains this trend well.

Second, billing based on computational effort becomes the standard. Therefore, estimating consumption solely by the number of requests no longer works.

Third, test your workflow on smaller models. Many tasks run well on Flash and don't require the more expensive model.

In addition, document which model handles each step. Explicit routing protects the budget when the rules change.

Finally, keep track of official communications. Plan changes usually arrive via email and updated support pages.

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