Gemini app limiting what models free & AI Plus users can access, AI Pro adding Deep Think
9to5google.com Oct 3, 2026

Gemini app limiting what models free & AI Plus users can access, AI Pro adding Deep Think

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Google is tightening access to its Gemini AI models in the Gemini app. Beginning October 9, free users will be restricted to the Flash‑Lite (3.5) model, losing the ability to use Flash (3.6) and Pro (3.1). AI Plus subscribers, who pay $4.99 per month, will retain Flash‑Lite and Flash but also lose Pro. In contrast, AI Pro ($19.99/month) and AI Ultra ($99.99–$199.99/month) customers will keep all existing models and gain a new Deep Think option that enables “maximum parallel reasoning.” The update also introduces “low,” “medium,” and “high” effort levels for each model, mirroring settings in Google AI Studio and Antigravity, and allowing more thorough responses at the cost of higher usage limits. The changes follow a May shift to compute‑based usage limits.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · By segmenting model access, Google pushes higher‑paying users toward premium tiers, turning advanced reasoning capabilities into a revenue driver.