Google to Restrict Free Gemini Users to Basic Model Starting October 9

Google is making significant changes to its Gemini AI service, restricting free users' access to certain models starting October 9. According to an update spotted by 9to5Google, free users will lose access to the 3.6 Flash and 3.1 Pro models, leaving them with only the 3.5 Flash-Lite model. AI Plus subscribers will also be notified that they are losing access to the 3.1 Pro model.

Google offers three tiers of Gemini models: Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro. The 3.6 Flash model requires a $4.99-per-month AI Plus subscription, while the 3.1 Pro model needs a $19.99-per-month AI Pro subscription. Students can still get a year of the AI Pro plan for free, with regional details available for those in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, Google is introducing a feature that allows users to choose the level of effort each model puts into their queries, with options for low, medium, or high. This adjustment will affect the model's task completion ability and usage limits, which vary between free, AI Plus, and Pro plans.

For users in the Middle East, the key date is October 9. The changes come amid rising storage and component costs, which may impact Google's AI infrastructure spending. However, the article does not specify regional pricing in AED, SAR, or EGP.