Free Gemini Users Lose Manual Model Choice as Google Adds Auto Mode

Google removed manual model switching for free Gemini accounts, replacing the model picker with an Auto setting that defaults to Flash-Lite and upgrades to Flash or Pro automatically. The update also adds Low, Medium and High effort levels, leaving manual model control to paid subscribers only.

• Free Gemini drops the Flash/Pro model picker for a single Auto mode
• Auto routes simple queries to Flash-Lite and heavier ones to Flash or Pro
• Low, Medium and High effort levels replace the old Extended option
• Manual model control is now limited to paid AI subscriptions