Starting from October 9, those without a paid subscription will only be able to access the less powerful Gemini Flash Lite model; previously, they could use Gemini Flash and had variable access to Gemini Pro. Subscribers to the $4.99/month Google AI Plus plan will still be able to use Gemini Flash, but will lose access to Gemini Pro. Subscribers to the most expensive plans, AI Pro ($19.99/month) and AI Ultra (from $99.99/month) will retain access to Gemini Pro.
This is a clear change of direction for Google, looking to tap into the market for AI power users. The Andreessen Horowitz survey revealed that Claude had already overtaken Gemini among consumer users and Google now wants the higher end of the market. The question will be whether users are willing to pay that premium.