Survey shows Google's recent Gemini downgrade isn't going down well

Earlier this month, Google announced plans to limit access to its newer AI models to those who don’t subscribe to its AI services or pay for the base AI Plus tier. The latter, a $4.99/month demand, will now grant users access only to the Flash and Flash Lite models, putting Pro options out of reach. Free users will no longer be able to access newer Gemini models while AI Pro and Ultra subscribers remain unaffected.

The change took effect this past Friday, and it’s understandable that some paying netizens feel this is a bit of a rug pull. Prior to the announcement, Plus subscribers could freely access Pro models allowing for more complex query crunching. This is no longer the case.

However, is Google’s decision to downgrade some of its Gemini users fair?

AI is a touchy subject for many of our readers, so who better to ask about the company’s big decision? We ran a poll, and you offered up your thoughts.

Whether you’re pro- or anti-AI, one thing is made clear with this poll: readers don’t like previously accessible features suddenly yanked from their grasp.

Of the more than 3,300 votes we received, just under 60% of respondents fall in this particular category. If Google is offering users access to a specific model tier, one could argue that access should be grandfathered in rather than removed entirely.

Notably, only 25% of respondents believe that Google’s downgrade is fair, but only for users with free access. These readers believe that AI Plus subscribers should’ve remained unaffected.

Just under 13% of respondents believe that, since “it’s a business,” Google’s decision is fair, while the remaining 3.3% of voters shared their views in the comments.

‘I’m sorry. That was truly stupid of me’

Many of our readers reiterated their disdain for AI and the lackluster performance of Gemini itself. However, some commenters highlighted some worthwhile points.

Reader Andy Huff shared what many AI Plus subscribers likely feel:

Not sure why I bothered to give them $80 for a year of Plus back in March when I’m no longer getting the benefits that I originally subscribed to. Guess I won’t be renewing.

Others highlighted Gemini’s problematic performance, especially compared to alternatives. Reader sunni.freyer writes:

I have multiple AI subscriptions. Out of all of them, the worst AI is Gemini. It’s truly terrible. I should get reimbursed for every “I’m sorry. That was truly stupid of me.” comment that it gives me.

Commenter rukastia agrees:

The quality itself [is] not better than ChatGPT so I don’t using this often but it’s still sad. Guess I will just [use the] free plan after my plan is expired.

Then there’s the anti-AI snark. Reader The Iln writes:

I wish there was a “budget plan” that left no single trace of Gemini on my phone.

It’s clear that plenty of readers remain anti-AI, and therefore don’t particularly care about Google’s Gemini downgrades. However, based on the poll results alone, it’s clear that readers aren’t taken by the idea of Google yanking features that were originally part of the deal — AI or not.

Where do you stand on this topic? Do you feel that Google was within its rights to downgrade Gemini access for its lower tiers? Let’s discuss in the comments.