Google just nuked free Gemini access 🔪

Starting Oct 9, free users get downgraded to Flash-Lite (the weakest model). Want anything better? Pay up.

Here's the new tier breakdown:
→ Free tier: Flash-Lite only (RIP Flash & Pro)
→ $4.99 AI Plus: Flash + Flash-Lite (Pro removed)
→ $19.99 AI Pro: Only way to access Pro now + includes Deep Think

All models now have low/medium/high effort settings.

Classic move: hook users on free, then paywall the good stuff. If you've been riding free Gemini for work, time to reassess or cough up $20/month.

This is how AI monetization plays out in real time.