Google restricts free Gemini to the Flash Lite model on October 9

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Key Takeaways

1Starting October 9, free Gemini accounts will only have access to Flash Lite

2Google AI Plus subscribers will be limited to Flash Lite and Flash, with no access to Pro models

3Pro models and the Deep Think feature will be reserved for Pro and Ultra subscriptions, with unchanged pricing

4Gemini 4 Argon, touted as high-performing, remains unavailable while safeguards are being strengthened

💡Why it matters — Google is restricting access to advanced Gemini models, reinforcing the distinction between free and paid offerings as the arrival of Gemini 4 Argon is awaited.

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Starting October 9, free Gemini accounts will only be able to use Flash Lite. Google AI Plus subscribers will also see their access restricted, while the Pro models and the Deep Think feature will be reserved for Pro and Ultra plans, which will maintain their current pricing. Meanwhile, Google has introduced Gemini 4 Argon, described as highly efficient, but it is still unavailable as the company works to strengthen safeguards.

Gemini 4 Argon Announced but Absent from Gemini

Gemini 4 Argon is not yet accessible in Gemini, neither for free accounts nor for paid plans. Google states that it is continuing to improve safeguards to reduce the risks of misalignment and security incidents before making it available. This model, presented as a new generation of AI, has been officially announced by Google. According to Artificial Analysis, Argon is not at the top of their rankings, but it is said to hallucinate the least among leading models. It is also described as displaying performance comparable to that of the best models from OpenAI and Anthropic.

On October 9, Free Access Limited to Flash Lite

Starting October 9, free Gemini accounts will only be able to use the Flash Lite model, considered the least powerful in the range. Until now, these accounts could access the Flash Lite, Flash, and Pro models. Google has announced this change, which reduces the options available based on the chosen plan. In October, Google AI Plus subscribers will only be able to use Flash Lite and Flash.

Pro Models and Deep Think Reserved for Pro and Ultra, with Unchanged Pricing

Access to Pro models will be reserved for Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers. The Deep Think feature, which allows the AI to apply more advanced reasoning to respond to queries, will also be limited to these two plans. The prices remain fixed at €4.99 per month for Google AI Plus, €21.99 for Google AI Pro, and €99.99 for Google AI Ultra. Google AI Plus remains the cheapest subscription in the range.

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