Google Gemini free users will only get Flash-Lite from 9 October, AI Plus loses Pro model
Google is changing who gets to use which Gemini models, and free users are getting the short end of the stick. Starting 9 October 2026, anyone using Gemini without a paid Google AI plan will only have access to Gemini Flash-Lite, the most basic of Google’s three models.
Previously, free users could still use the more capable Flash model, as well as a limited amount of Pro. Under the new structure, both will be locked behind a subscription. AI Plus subscribers aren’t spared either, as they’ll lose access to the Pro model while keeping Flash-Lite and Flash. Those on AI Pro and AI Ultra, however, will continue to have access to all three models.
Here’s how model access breaks down by plan:
- No plan: Flash-Lite
- AI Plus: Flash-Lite and Flash
- AI Pro: Flash-Lite, Flash and Pro
- AI Ultra: Flash-Lite, Flash and Pro
On top of that, Google has also changed how usage limits work. Instead of a fixed number of prompts, your usage is now calculated based on how much computing power each request takes, depending on factors such as how complex your prompt is, which features you use and how long your chat is. These limits refresh every five hours, up to a weekly cap.
As for how much more you get by paying, AI Plus offers 2x the standard usage limit, while AI Pro gets 4x. AI Ultra users get either 5x or 20x the limit of AI Pro, depending on which Ultra plan they’re on.
For reference, Google AI Plus is priced at RM23.99 a month in Malaysia, while AI Pro goes for RM97.99 a month. If you’re a university student in Malaysia though, you may be able to get AI Plus for free for 12 months under Google’s ongoing student offer.
Read more of our articles below!
