Google says free Gemini users will be limited to the 3.5 Flash-Lite model from October 9, while Plus subscribers will be limited to 3.5 Flash-Lite and 3.6 Flash
THE SO WHAT
Capping free Gemini users at 3.5 Flash-Lite — and even Plus at 3.6 Flash — is another step toward strict model tiering as a revenue and compute-control lever. If your workflows depend on specific Gemini variants, treat them as versioned dependencies: pin, test, and be ready to pay or switch when access policies tighten.
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