Google is adjusting the subscription policy for its entry-level AI service, and users of Google AI Plus will no longer have access to the Gemini Pro model. According to recent update documents and notifications sent to subscribers, starting November 13, 2026, Google AI Plus members will no longer be able to manually select the Pro model in the AI modes of the Gemini app and search. After this date, the entry-level package priced at US$4.99 (approximately HK$39) will only allow manual selection of the lighter Flash and Flash-Lite engines.
Existing Pro conversations can still be viewed in chat history, but subsequent replies will automatically be handled by the lighter engines unless users choose to upgrade to a higher subscription tier.
For users who wish to continue using the Pro model in high-load scenarios such as writing, programming, financial analysis, or in-depth research, there are only two options left: upgrade to Google AI Pro for US$19.99 (approximately HK$156) per month, or AI Ultra for US$99.99 (approximately HK$780) per month. This means costs will significantly increase, with monthly bills needing to rise by at least US$15 (approximately HK$117). Users upgrading to the Pro tier will also enjoy additional benefits, with usage quotas increasing from twice that of the free standard version to four times.
However, for many regular users, in order to retain the model they are accustomed to, they will have to pay for unnecessary additional usage.
Significant changes to subscription policy for Google AI Plus users
At the same time, Google’s newly announced Gemini 4 Argon engine will only be available to AI Pro and Ultra members. The official statement claims that this engine has improved reasoning capabilities, providing specialized workflows for scenarios such as finance and programming, and can integrate with over 40 applications. Binding more powerful models to higher subscription tiers is a clear strategy in this adjustment.