Free Gemini: official documentation qualifies the 'Flash-Lite only' claim
Starting October 9, Google changes model access for personal accounts; the documentation reviewed provides Auto for free accounts.
Gradual rollout
Facts, analysis and limits
Verified facts
- Google indicates a start of application on October 9 for non-subscription accounts.
- Current documentation states that Auto sends most of the prompts to Flash-Lite, but can route complex requests to Flash or Pro.
- If smart selection is disabled, free responses use Flash-Lite.
- AI Plus subscribers receive their effective date by email.
What changes
Important correction: "limited free access to Flash-Lite" does not exactly describe the current Auto routing.
Practical implication
Check Auto and the models actually available in your account instead of taking over the newsletter title.
Availability
Belgium/EEA: regional scope is not specified in the sources reviewed; check the account, contract and processing region before use.
Limits and uncertainty
The help page does not give a date of publication: date of the event = start of deployment, no publication. OHMO of October 7 is used only to show the initial signal, corrected by the current official source.