Google Gemini Free Users to Get Only Flash-Lite Starting October 9

IT Home, citing Google Gemini app help center information, reports that starting October 2026, changes will take effect regarding model availability when accessing the Gemini app with personal accounts. From October 9, 2026, free individual users on Gemini web and app will no longer have default access to the full Flash model and Pro model, which will be uniformly adjusted to the smaller, lighter Flash-Lite model. After the change takes effect, non-subscribed users can only use Flash-Lite and cannot use Flash or Pro. The AI Plus plan can use Flash-Lite and Flash, but no longer provides access to the Pro model; subscribers to this plan will receive an email explaining when the change takes effect for them. Users on AI Pro and AI Ultra plans can still use Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro.