Google kills off free Gemini Flash and Pro access

Google will soon end free access to Gemini Flash and Pro.

File photo: Gemini AI

No more free Gemini Flash and Pro

Basically, starting October 9, 2026, users without an AI subscription will be able to feel these changes, particularly access to (3.6) Flash or (3.1) Pro.

AI Plus subscribers will receive an email outlining when these changes take effect.

AI Plus subscribers will be restricted to Flash‑Lite and Flash, with Pro removed. At USD 4.99 per month, users will get an email detailing when the changes take effect.

AI Pro and Ultra subscribers won't feel any changes.

Gemini access for free and plan users

Free users will still have access to Gemini 3.5 Flash‑Lite, which delivers faster responses with lower resource use for quick queries and everyday tasks. However, it won’t match the complexity of Flash, Pro, or Ultra—so manage expectations. 

Flash‑Lite also has inquiry limits, reported at around 32k tokens (roughly 24,000 words). If you reach your five‑hour or weekly usage cap, Google suggests upgrading to a Google AI subscription with higher limits—or waiting until your model quota refreshes.

In the Philippines, Google AI Plus is priced at PHP 285 per month, while Google AI Pro and Ultra cost PHP 1,100 and PHP 5,999 per month, respectively.

In summary, Free and Plus users face upgrade pressure, while Pro and Ultra gain advanced features. Anyone relying on Gemini Pro for coding, research, or complex reasoning must move to AI Pro or Ultra.

Source: Google