Google's cheapest Gemini plan is losing a major perk; now I can't recommend it to anyone

Google’s cheapest Gemini plan, AI Plus, is losing a major perk, leaving me questioning whether I can recommend it to anyone. Once a compelling middle ground between the free version and Google AI Pro, AI Plus now lacks the ability to select Pro models in the Gemini app or AI Mode in Google Search starting November 13. This change affects AI Plus subscribers who expected occasional access to Pro models, even if usage was restricted.

While Gemini 3.8 Flash models have impressive capabilities, I anticipate Google’s next-generation Pro model will push boundaries further, particularly in advanced reasoning, coding, and tackling complex queries. AI Plus subscribers will likely feel the impact when they can no longer experiment with these advanced models without upgrading to the 4x more expensive AI Pro subscription.

Google’s decision to remove an existing benefit from a paid plan, rather than reserving models for premium subscribers, is frustrating. Previously, AI Plus offered excellent value with 400GB of cloud storage, additional features, and access to powerful AI models. However, the upcoming changes make it feel more like a cloud storage subscription with bundled AI perks rather than a gateway to Google’s most powerful AI capabilities.

The complexity of Google’s Gemini subscriptions is also increasing, making it harder for users to understand which models are included with each plan. Despite these issues, AI Plus still offers valuable features like 400GB of storage, Gemini Notebook, AI assistance, and image and video generation tools. However, the loss of Pro model access and the growing complexity of subscriptions may make it less appealing to users seeking an affordable entry point to Google’s AI capabilities.