Google will begin restricting free access to its Gemini artificial intelligence chatbot on Oct. 9, with users losing access to its Flash and Pro models unless they subscribe to a paid plan.
Users without a subscription will retain access to Flash-Lite, according to a Google advisory on changes to model availability for personal accounts. The advisory did not specify a separate rollout schedule for the Philippines.
Flash-Lite is designed for everyday tasks such as summarizing information and brainstorming, while Flash combines speed and reasoning to handle a broader range of questions, according to Google.
Pro is intended for more demanding tasks, including complex mathematics and coding. The models power the chatbot’s responses and differ in their capabilities.
The changes will also reduce the model options available to subscribers of Google AI Plus, who will retain Flash-Lite and Flash but lose Pro.
Affected AI Plus subscribers will receive an email explaining when the restrictions will take effect for their accounts. Google did not give a single implementation date for this group.
Subscribers of the higher-tier Google AI Pro and AI Ultra plans will continue to have access to all three models.
Under the revised arrangement, users who want to keep using Flash will need at least an AI Plus subscription. Access to Pro will require either an AI Pro or AI Ultra plan.
Paid subscriptions, however, remain subject to usage limits.
Google measures usage based on the complexity of questions, the models and features used, and the length of conversations. More advanced models and higher thinking levels consume a larger share of a user’s allowance.
Usage limits refresh every five hours until the weekly cap is reached. Paid subscribers receive higher allowances than those using Gemini for free, according to the company.
