Google has kept Gemini Spark, its 24/7 agentic AI assistant for background tasks like inbox management and app integrations, behind paid subscriptions since its May 2026 I/O launch. Access expanded from the high-cost Ultra tier to the $19.99 Google AI Pro plan in July 2026 for U.S. users, but remains unavailable on the free Gemini tier or $4.99 AI Plus. October 2026 updates further restricted advanced models for free and Plus users, sharpening tier distinctions. Competitive pressure from agents like Claude Cowork and OpenAI tools, plus no official free-tier roadmap, shapes trader views on whether Spark reaches no-cost users by key deadlines.