Google Gemini Cuts Back Free Tier, Forces Upgrades
Google Gemini's free tier is getting a significant cutback starting October 9. The chatbot will be limited to Flash-Lite, Google's smallest and cheapest model, for users who don't pay for it. This means that anyone relying on Gemini for longer, harder tasks will need to upgrade their plan or accept simpler answers.
The change follows a switch in May to usage limits based on computing cost instead of a fixed number of messages. The new system allows heavy models to burn through the allowance faster than light ones, making it necessary to cut access to the heavier models to control costs.
AI Plus subscribers who currently have access to Pro will lose it starting October 9. However, they will receive an email from Google with their own cutoff date later in October. The AI Plus plan itself remains available for $4.99 a month, but users will now only get Flash-Lite and Flash models.
Those who need more powerful capabilities may want to consider upgrading to the AI Pro or AI Ultra plans, which offer all three models, including Pro, as well as Deep Think mode. However, these plans come with a higher price tag of $19.99 and $99.99 per month, respectively.