Google Gemini Free Users Will Default to Flash-Lite Model

Google Gemini's help center shows that starting October 2026, model availability for personal accounts will change. From October 9, 2026, free individual users on Gemini Web and App will no longer get full access to the Flash model and Pro model by default. Instead, they will be switched to the smaller, lighter Flash-Lite model.

The AI Plus plan will also no longer include Pro model access. Subscribers to AI Plus will receive an email explaining when the changes take effect for them.

After the changes, users without a subscription can only use Flash-Lite. AI Plus users get Flash-Lite and Flash. AI Pro and AI Ultra users can use Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro.