Google updates lightweight Gemini models, but flagship still delayed

By Kenrick Cai

SAN FRANCISCO, July 21 (Reuters) - ‌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 use cases that do not require the most cutting-edge technology. Google ‌also unveiled a new lightweight ‌variant, Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, which is tailored towards cybersecurity applications.

But all eyes have been on the launch of Gemini 3.5 Pro, the top-tier version of the model, which Wall Street ​is waiting for as an indicator of whether Google’s DeepMind AI lab is able to keep pace with Anthropic and OpenAI.

Gemini 3.5 Pro was originally slated for a June launch, CEO ⁠Sundar Pichai said in his keynote address at the company’s I/O developer conference in May.

The company's launch of the Gemini 3 model ​family last November demonstrated it had returned to the front of the AI race after years as a laggard. It caused OpenAI to issue a “code ​red” internally to concentrate efforts around its competing GPT ‌model.

Google’s main rivals have struck back since then. Anthropic rolled out its latest Mythos 5 and Fable 5 models, which were deemed so powerful by the ⁠U.S. government as to be considered a national security risk.

OpenAI launched GPT-5.6 earlier this month after a similar government-requested delay to vet security concerns.

The delay of Gemini 3.5 Pro is due to the model reportedly falling ⁠short of internal goals, particularly in terms of coding, which has emerged as a lucrative use case for enterprise ​AI.

Pichai, though, has highlighted Google's pricing. He has said companies could save upwards of $1 billion per year by shifting most of their AI workloads to Gemini models.

Google DeepMind staff delivered similar messaging in press releases on the ‌launches, describing the Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber as “a cost-efficient and highly capable alternative to large, costly cybersecurity models."

As for the most anticipated model, Google ‌said that Gemini 3.5 Pro is being tested with partners and would be coming “soon.” In one press release, ⁠it also said training had commenced on ‌Gemini 4.

Pichai is likely to ​be pressed for more details about Gemini 3.5 Pro when Alphabet holds its second-quarter earnings conference call on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Kenrick Cai in San Francisco; Editing by ‌Christian Schmollinger)

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