Google limits free Gemini users to older models starting October 9

Google is restricting which Gemini models users can access based on subscription tier, effective October 9. Free users will be limited to the 3.5 Flash-Lite model, while Google AI Plus subscribers will have access to both 3.5 Flash-Lite and the newer 3.6 Flash model.

This follows Google's earlier shift to compute-based usage limits introduced in May. The tiering change signals Google's strategy to push users toward paid subscriptions while managing compute costs across its growing user base.