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Free Gemini users now on ‘Auto’ models as app adds thinking levels
9to5Google • • general
Key Points:
- Google is updating the Gemini app experience for free users, who can no longer manually switch models and will only have the "Auto" option selecting from Gemini 3 models, primarily using the Flash-Lite model for most prompts.
- The auto model selection feature directs prompts to the most suitable Gemini model, with Flash-Lite handling most responses and Flash or Pro reserved for more complex queries.
- New "effort levels"—Low, Medium, and High—are being introduced to replace the previous "Extended" option, allowing users to choose the depth of AI responses; these levels are rolling out to all users, including subscribers.
- If smart model selection is disabled, free users without an AI plan will receive all responses from the Flash-Lite model exclusively.
- Google AI Plus subscribers will soon have their model options limited to Flash-Lite and Flash (3.8), reflecting a broader shift in model availability across user tiers.
