Google released a new model, Gemini 4 Argon, on October 13, 2026. If you use Gemini for free, the short answer is: you do not get it, and Google has not announced a date or a free version.
Who gets it. Google says Argon is available "starting today" in the Gemini app and in AI Mode in Search for Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers, rolling out worldwide. Business and enterprise customers are also covered, according to the press coverage. Free accounts are not mentioned in Google's announcement or in the Gemini release notes.
What is supposed to be better. Google describes Argon as a model that follows style instructions better than earlier Gemini models and answers questions more directly, with less hedging. Most of the rest of the announcement is aimed at developers and scientists, for example long multi-step tasks and research work. Those are the company's own claims, and we have not tested them.
Should you pay for it? Only if you already had a reason to pay for Gemini. For everyday questions, such as writing an email, planning a trip or explaining a letter, nothing in the announcement says the new model changes much for an ordinary user. Waiting a few weeks costs you nothing: new models are reviewed independently soon after launch, and plans and limits change often.
If you use Gemini for free. Nothing changes for you today. Since October 9, free accounts no longer pick a model: Gemini sends most questions to the lightest one, Flash-Lite, which we explain in what changed on October 9. Our comparison of free AI chatbots shows what else you can use without paying.
A reminder. A new model name is a favourite hook for scammers: emails and ads offering "free Gemini 4 access" or an "Argon app" to download. New models appear inside the official Gemini app and at gemini.google.com. Do not install anything from a link in a message.
Sources
- Gemini 4 Argon: Built to solve your hardest problems — Google
- Gemini Apps' release updates & improvements — Google
- Google rolls out Gemini 4 Argon globally — Business Today