B.AI ends free DeepSeek V4 Flash, applies 50% discount

This pricing shift signals a maturing of the AI service market, where free tiers are being walked back as cost pressures mount. For B.AI users, the move tests willingness to pay for a previously free tool, potentially driving churn if competitors keep similar models free. The 50% discount is a transitional hook, aiming to retain volume while establishing a paid baseline. What matters next is whether this becomes a broader industry trend toward monetizing once-free AI access, and how user demand responds to the new pricing structure.