Updates·October 15, 2026, 20:00

Google's cheapest AI subscription loses its most powerful model

AI-generated from the sources listed, with automated source checks.

Google is removing the Pro model from its AI Plus subscription, and free users lose the ability to choose between Flash and Pro. Anyone who wants to keep Pro must move up to a more expensive plan.

Google is changing which Gemini models users can access, depending on their subscription. The biggest change hits AI Plus, the cheapest paid tier: it loses access to the Pro model (Gemini 3.1 Pro). Subscribers keep Flash and Flash-Lite, which are lighter and faster models.

Flash-Lite is the lightest of the three. Pro is the most powerful and is typically used for heavier tasks such as complex coding and document analysis. According to Engadget, AI Plus users who need Pro must upgrade to AI Pro.

What do the different users get?

Starting October 9, 2026, new rules apply to free users. They can no longer choose Flash or Pro themselves, and most free requests use Flash-Lite by default. The date applies to free accounts. AI Plus subscribers will get an email about when the change hits their own account, and work and school accounts follow other schedules.

AI Pro and AI Ultra keep all three models. AI Pro also gets Deep Think, which was previously available only to Ultra. According to Engadget, AI Plus costs $5 a month in the US (down from the original $8, with storage doubled from 200 to 400 GB), AI Pro costs $20 and AI Ultra costs at least $100. Prices for Denmark have not been announced.

Effort and usage limits

All models get an optional effort level: low, medium or high. Higher effort gives more thorough answers but uses more of the user's limit. Google also distinguishes between model choice and usage limits, so you can have unused quota left and still be unable to select a particular model.

The change comes after Google introduced limits based on compute in May 2026. They applied to users over 18 from May 17, while users under 18 followed in July.

Reactions

BGR assesses that losing all access to Pro models is a major change, and that it is leading some users to question the value of AI subscriptions. The article quotes frustrated users on Reddit. According to Engadget, the change reflects a shift toward monetizing advanced AI features among users who need advanced reasoning.