Models
Google's top model is now available, but only if you pay
Google is opening Gemini 4 Argon to paying subscribers and developers. It says the model beats its rivals, but independent rankings disagree: one puts it first and another eighth.
The essentials
2 confirmed facts · 3 according to the source · 3 open questions
- Since October 13, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can use Gemini 4 Argon in the Gemini app.2
- Developers can use it through the paid Gemini API. Ultra subscribers can also use it in Google Antigravity.3
- According to the sourceGoogle says it beats GPT-6 Astra, Claude Fable 5.1 and Claude Opus 5.5 in programming, cybersecurity, science, finance and law.5
- According to the sourceAccording to Xataka, Argon ranks first on the Vals Index, which measures professional tasks, with 68.90%. On Artificial Analysis it ranks eighth.7
- According to the sourceAccording to Xataka, the API costs $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens, and the price will double on December 1.7
Why it matters
Google is back at the front after months behind its rivals, according to The Verge5. But there is no single verdict. Vals ranks it first for professional tasks, while Artificial Analysis ranks it eighth for general abilities7. This suggests Argon stands out at long, specialized work, like programming or analyzing accounts, rather than at everything.
Making it available only to paying users, with the API price set to double in December according to Xataka7, suggests Google sees it as a tool for professionals. It doesn't seem designed for everyday use by anyone.
If you pay for Google AI Pro or Ultra, you can already use Argon in the Gemini app and hand it tasks. If you use Gemini for free, you won't have access.
The details
In the Gemini app, Google says Argon answers more directly, with less beating around the bush, less repetition and fewer stock phrases2. The app adds a switch to go from chatting to handing off tasks. In that mode, Gemini keeps working even when you're not at your computer2. It also connects to more than 40 apps, such as Instacart, OpenTable, Adobe and Shopify, for things like ordering groceries or booking a table2.
Programmers can use Argon through the paid tier of the Gemini API, the way other programs use the model. It is available in Google AI Studio and Android Studio3. According to Xataka, it handles up to a million tokens, the chunks of text it works with. That limit covers what it receives, what it reasons through and what it answers7. In the Gemini app for Mac, you can also switch from chat to programming with Google Antigravity2.
Google gives examples of internal use. According to Ars Technica, thousands of employees have used it. One of its improvements cut the load on YouTube's comment servers by 45% by removing repeated emoji rendering6. According to Xataka, in a test on a project of about 205,000 lines of code, Argon worked for eleven hours and proposed six improvements. Google discarded four and kept two7.
Ars Technica notes that Google announced the model weeks earlier. At the time, it said it would proceed cautiously because of the risk the model could be used to cause harm6. According to the outlet, the model is trained to refuse malicious instructions. It also has an automated monitor that can stop the work if it detects something unexpected6. The outlet adds that the model's capabilities haven't changed since the announcement6.
What we don't know
- What exact limits Argon has on the Pro plan compared with Ultra: Ars Technica says lower plans won't have full access.
- Whether API pricing and availability are the same in Europe.
- Whether the internal use examples Google gives hold up outside the company.
Background
On October 2 we reported that Google DeepMind had announced Gemini 4 Argon on September 30, but that almost no one could use it. According to Xataka, at that point only some cybersecurity experts had access, through the Fairwind program7. Now the rollout is global, though only for paying users.
Sources
- 1Gemini 4 Argon: Built to solve your hardest problems
- 2Gemini 4 Argon comes to the Gemini app.
- 3Gemini 4 Argon is now available for developers.
- 4Gemini 4 Argon for Robotics
- 5Google finally releases Gemini 4 Argon
- 6Gemini 4 Argon begins rolling out in Gemini app and Antigravity, but only if you pay
- 7Gemini 4 Argon es la nueva bestia de Google para el trabajo pesado: código, ciencia, finanzas y ciberseguridad
- ·Gemini 4 Argon: Built to solve your hardest problems
- ·Developing Gemini 4 Argon responsibly and safely
- ·Developing Gemini 4 Argon responsibly and safely
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