If Gemini has felt less capable recently, it's not your imagination. According to widely reported changes that took effect on 9 October 2026, Google narrowed which Gemini models each plan can use in the Gemini app and website.
What changed
- Free users — now get only Flash-Lite. Flash and Pro were removed from the free tier.
- Google AI Plus — keeps Flash-Lite and Flash, but loses Pro.
- Google AI Pro — keeps Flash-Lite, Flash and Pro, and gains Deep Think, previously limited to the top tier.
- Google AI Ultra — keeps everything.
Reports cited The Verge, and AI Plus subscribers were told to expect an email from Google with the exact date for their account.
India prices
- AI Plus — ₹199/month for the first six months, then ₹399/month.
- AI Pro — ₹1,950/month.
Telecom bundles sometimes include Gemini subscriptions, so check your Jio or Airtel app for current offers before paying separately.
Does Flash-Lite matter for you?
For quick questions, translations, summarising a message or drafting a short email, Flash-Lite is fine. You'll notice the difference on longer, harder tasks: detailed research, complex coding, long documents and step-by-step reasoning.
Who should pay for what
- Casual users: stay free. Combine it with ChatGPT's free plan if you want a second opinion.
- Students and creators: AI Plus at the intro price is good value, mainly for Flash plus the bundled Google storage.
- Professionals who relied on Pro: AI Pro is now the plan that includes it.
Google changes these tiers often. Check the model picker in the Gemini app to see what your account has right now.
Sources: LatestLY, Android Headlines
Also read: ChatGPT vs Gemini vs Claude: Which AI Assistant Fits You? · How to Use AI to Write Better Messages and Emails
