Google is preparing to restrict which artificial intelligence (AI) models users can access across its consumer tiers, placing tighter model caps on both non-paying accounts and entry-level AI Plus subscribers. The adjustments have been detailed in an updated support document and builds on the company’s shift toward compute-based usage tracking introduced in May. Starting October 9, free users who access the Gemini web and mobile applications without an active Google AI subscription will be restricted exclusively to the (3.5) Flash-Lite model. These free users will no longer have access to the faster (3.6) Flash or the higher-capability (3.1) Pro models.
Subscription tier changes: What each plan receives
The upcoming policy shifts alter the value proposition across Google’s tiered subscription lineup:
- Free users: Capped at (3.5) Flash-Lite. Access to (3.6) Flash and (3.1) Pro will be completely removed on October 9.
- AI Plus Subscribers: Access will be restricted to Flash-Lite and Flash. The (3.1) Pro model will no longer be available to users at this tier.
- AI Pro Subscribers: This tier faces no model removals. Instead, users will receive access to the advanced
Deep Think feature , which is a specialised capability for maximum parallel reasoning that was previously reserved only for the higher-end $99.99 and $199.99 monthly plans. - AI Ultra Subscribers: Retains top-tier access, including Deep Think and early access to upcoming model rollouts, with no reductions in current capabilities.
Usage limits to Gemini models
Alongside the model reshuffle, Google plans to introduce limits to Media generation (images, videos and music), Deep Research and Pro Model.“Gemini will move to compute-based usage limits that will refresh every 5 hours until you reach your weekly limit. Calculation of your usage will factor in the complexity of your prompt, the features you use, and the length of your chat. Paid users have higher limits than users without a Google AI subscription. Premium models and features require more usage and may cause you to reach your limit faster,” the company said.
Usage limits
| Plan | Limit |
| Without a plan | Standard limits |
| AI Plus | 2x higher than standard limits |
| AI Pro | 4x higher than standard limits |
| AI Ultra | 5x or 20x higher than AI Pro depending on your subscription |