Gemini without a plan: Auto picks your model from October 9
Google is changing model access for free users: most prompts go to Flash-Lite, and harder ones may get Flash or Pro.
Google has updated its Gemini limits page: from October 9, users without an AI plan get different model access. AI Plus subscribers are promised a separate email with their own timing.
What’s new
Auto becomes the default without a plan, and it picks a model for each prompt:
- most prompts go to Flash-Lite, the fastest model;
- harder prompts may go to Flash or Pro;
- with smart model selection turned off, every response comes from Flash-Lite.
Each model has low, medium and high effort levels. Higher effort gives a more thorough answer but uses up your limit faster.
How limits work
Since May, limits have been compute-based, refreshing every 5 hours up to a weekly limit. Image, video and music generation, Deep Research, the Pro model and Deep Think use them faster. Compared with the standard no-plan tier, AI Plus gives 2x and AI Pro gives 4x. AI Ultra gives 5x or 20x AI Pro, depending on the subscription.
What to do
If you use Gemini for free and results suddenly get worse, check whether smart model selection is on. For important tasks, raise the effort level, keeping your limit in mind.
Prepared with AI from public sources.