Free Gemini app users now only have access to ‘Auto’ models

Google has announced a major update to the Gemini app experience for free users, limiting their model selection options. Free users without a plan can no longer choose their preferred model; they are now only able to select the "Auto" model with "Gemini 3 models." This change was disclosed last week, with Google's support documentation also referring to it as (3.5) Flash-Lite.

According to Google, Gemini will use auto model selection, sending each prompt to the model that best suits it. Most prompts will go to Flash-Lite, their fastest model, while prompts requiring deeper reasoning may be sent to either Flash or Pro. If smart model selection is disabled, chats for users without an AI plan will use Flash-Lite for all responses.

In addition to this change, Google is introducing new thinking levels that replace the previous "Extended" option. These three options align with Google Antigravity and AI Studio. Free users will now have access to these new thinking levels, which are also being rolled out to all subscribers.

However, Google AI Plus users will soon be limited to the same Flash-Lite model. It appears that the transition to these changes is happening rapidly, with the update now in place for the vast majority of free accounts in the Pacific Time zone. For more news on this development, viewers can check out 9to5Google on YouTube.