Google is making small AI models better, but its main big model is still not out yet.
BY Mahnoor | 22-07-2026
SAN FRANCISCO: Alphabet’s Google on Tuesday released a trio of cheaper versions of its Gemini AI model, but shared no timing updates for the flagship Pro model that has already seen its launch delayed by several weeks.
The new model lineup includes Gemini 3.6 Flash and Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite, updated versions of its lightweight offerings, designed for uses that do not need the most advanced technology. Google also announced a new lightweight variant, Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, which is made for cybersecurity applications.
But everyone has been watching the launch of Gemini 3.5 Pro, the best version of the model. Wall Street sees it as a sign of whether Google’s DeepMind AI lab can keep up with Anthropic and OpenAI.
Gemini 3.5 Pro was first planned for a June launch, CEO Sundar Pichai said in his main speech at the company’s I/O developer conference in May.
The company showed it was back at the front of the AI race when it launched the Gemini 3 models last November, after years of falling behind. This made OpenAI declare a “code red” inside the company to focus more on its competing GPT model.
But Google’s main rivals have fought back since then. Anthropic released its newest Mythos 5 and Fable 5 models, which the U.S. government thought were so powerful that they pose a national security risk.
OpenAI released GPT-5.6 earlier this month after a similar government-requested pause to check safety issues.
The delay of Gemini 3.5 Pro is because the model reportedly didn’t meet internal targets, especially in coding, which has become a profitable use of AI in business.
But Pichai has focused on Google’s prices. He said companies could save over $1 billion each year by moving most of their AI work to Gemini models.
Google DeepMind staff shared similar messages in press releases about the launches. They called the Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber ‘a cheap and very capable option instead of big, expensive cybersecurity models.’
About the most expected model, Google said Gemini 3.5 Pro is being tested with partners and will be available ‘soon.’ In a press release, they also said training has started on Gemini 4.
Pichai will probably be asked for more details about Gemini 3.5 Pro when Alphabet has its second-quarter earnings call on Wednesday.
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