Google restricts gemini features for free users

Google is limiting access to advanced Gemini AI models for free users, effective October 9. Starting then, free users will only have access to the 3.5 Flash-Lite model, while the 3.6 Flash and 3.1 Pro models will be unavailable. Paid users of Google AI Plus, who pay $4.99/month, will lose access to the Pro model but retain Flash-Lite and Flash. To maintain the current experience, users must upgrade to the $19.99/mo Google AI Pro subscription. AI Pro subscribers will also gain access to the "Deep Think" feature, previously exclusive to higher tiers. The changes align with common subscription model practices, where features are gradually restricted. Google has faced challenges this year, including delays in launching the Gemini 3.5 Pro model, originally slated for June. Bloomberg recently reported employee concerns that Gemini 4 lags behind models from Anthropic and OpenAI, highlighting internal tensions at the company.