GOOGLE · MODEL RELEASE TRACKER

Gemini 3.6

News reports in early October 2026 say Google's free tier previously included access to Gemini 3.6 (the 'Flash' model), but Google will restrict free users to a smaller 'Flash‑Lite' model starting in October 2026; the change is dated October 9, 2026 in one report.

UPDATED 2026-10-07

CURRENT SNAPSHOT2/5 DIMENSIONS WITH DATA

The dimensions that change the decision.

PRICING

AI Plus subscriber accessAI Plus subscribers ($4.99/month) will lose access to 'Pro' and can only use 'Flash‑Lite' and 'Flash'.2026-10-04

AI Pro/AI Ultra required for full model accessAccess to all three models is stated to require AI Pro ($19.99/month) or AI Ultra ($99.99 or $199.99/month).2026-10-04

CONTEXT WINDOW

Not established from the available sources.

MODALITIES

Not established from the available sources.

BENCHMARKS

Not established from the available sources.

AVAILABILITY

Free‑tier access to Gemini 3.6 Flash (current)As of early October 2026, Google’s free tier offered access to Gemini 3.6 (the Flash model).2026-10-04

Free tier limited to Flash‑Lite starting October 2026Starting in October 2026, Google will restrict personal-account access so that without a subscription users will only get the smallest model, 'Flash‑Lite'; the more powerful 'Flash' (including 3.6 Flash) and 'Pro' will not be included for free.2026-10-04

VERIFIABLE FACTS

Every value stays attached to a source and date.

AVAILABILITY · Free‑tier access to Gemini 3.6 Flash (current)DEVELOPER CLAIM

As of early October 2026, Google’s free tier offered access to Gemini 3.6 (the Flash model).

AVAILABILITY · Free tier limited to Flash‑Lite starting October 2026DEVELOPER CLAIM

Starting in October 2026, Google will restrict personal-account access so that without a subscription users will only get the smallest model, 'Flash‑Lite'; the more powerful 'Flash' (including 3.6 Flash) and 'Pro' will not be included for free.

PRICING · AI Plus subscriber accessDEVELOPER CLAIM

AI Plus subscribers ($4.99/month) will lose access to 'Pro' and can only use 'Flash‑Lite' and 'Flash'.

PRICING · AI Pro/AI Ultra required for full model accessDEVELOPER CLAIM

Access to all three models is stated to require AI Pro ($19.99/month) or AI Ultra ($99.99 or $199.99/month).

LIMITATIONS · Free users limited to Flash‑Lite starting October 9, 2026DEVELOPER CLAIM

According to reports, starting October 9, 2026, Google will limit free Google Gemini users to the Flash‑Lite model, removing free access to the standard Flash model (including Gemini 3.6 Flash).

WHAT CHANGED

Stored passport versions, without reconstructed history.

2026-10-07Passport updated5 facts

AVAILABILITY · Free‑tier access to Gemini 3.6 Flash (current)+ As of early October 2026, Google’s free tier offered access to Gemini 3.6 (the Flash model).2026-10-04

AVAILABILITY · Free tier access (current)− The current free tier offers access to Gemini 3.6, referred to as '3.6 Flash'.2026-10-04

LIMITATIONS · Free users limited to Flash‑Lite starting October 9, 2026+ According to reports, starting October 9, 2026, Google will limit free Google Gemini users to the Flash‑Lite model, removing free access to the standard Flash model (including Gemini 3.6 Flash).2026-10-06

2026-10-04Passport created4 facts

As of early October 2026, Google’s free tier offered access to Gemini 3.6 (the Flash model).

Starting in October 2026, Google will restrict personal-account access so that without a subscription users will only get the smallest model, 'Flash‑Lite'; the more powerful 'Flash' (including 3.6 Flash) and 'Pro' will not be included for free.

AI Plus subscribers ($4.99/month) will lose access to 'Pro' and can only use 'Flash‑Lite' and 'Flash'.

Access to all three models is stated to require AI Pro ($19.99/month) or AI Ultra ($99.99 or $199.99/month).

According to reports, starting October 9, 2026, Google will limit free Google Gemini users to the Flash‑Lite model, removing free access to the standard Flash model (including Gemini 3.6 Flash).

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