Google has quietly tightened access to its newly launched Gemini 3 Pro model, leaving many users unclear about what remains available for free. Initially introduced alongside the Nano Banana Pro model, Gemini 3 Pro was positioned as a major advancement in Google’s AI lineup, offering powerful capabilities even to users on the free tier—though only for a limited number of prompts per day.
At launch, free Gemini users were allowed up to five prompts per day with Gemini 3 Pro, mirroring the same restriction previously applied to Gemini 2.5 Pro. Additionally, users could test Nano Banana Pro with a limit of up to three images per day. These caps made the upgraded models accessible while still encouraging users to consider a paid subscription for heavier usage.
However, Google has now quietly revised its access guidelines. According to updated information on Google’s official website, free users without a Google AI Pro or Google AI Ultra subscription are now granted only “Basic access” to Gemini 3 Pro and Nano Banana Pro. The company has removed the clear numerical limits that previously helped users understand their daily allowance, replacing them with less specific language.
The shift has raised questions among users who rely on free access for light experimentation or occasional prompts. The removal of clear per-day usage numbers suggests that access may now vary depending on server load, usage patterns, or other internal factors, giving Google more flexibility to throttle free access as needed.
Despite the change, free users still receive partial access to Gemini 3 Pro’s features, which means occasional use remains possible. However, for consistent performance, higher throughput and guaranteed availability, Google is clearly steering users toward its paid tiers: Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra. These subscription levels offer expanded limits, priority access and enhanced model capabilities.
Industry observers note that the change aligns with a broader trend among major AI providers as they balance offering free experiences with the high infrastructure costs of running advanced models. By narrowing free access, Google may also be attempting to manage increased demand generated by the growing popularity of its AI tools.
For casual users, the updated “Basic access” still provides space to explore the capabilities of Gemini 3 Pro, though likely with tighter restrictions than before. For those requiring consistent performance or professional-grade outputs, the subscription tiers remain the more viable option.
As Google continues refining its AI ecosystem, further adjustments to access policies may follow, making it important for users to stay updated on the company’s official guidelines.
