Status of Gemini models
Here is a brief overview of the model line at the beginning of 2026:
- Gemini 3 series: new generation for Search, Gemini App, AI Studio and Vertex AI; Gemini 3 Pro Preview and Gemini 3 Flash Preview are live in the API and set as new standard aliases for Gemini‑Pro-Latest and Gemini‑Flash-Latest; Focus on multimodality, complex reasoning and agentical capabilities
- Gemini 2.x/2.5: Models such as Gemini 2.0 Flash Experimental and 2.0 Flash Live remain fast, cost-effective multimodal options with live API (bidirectional streaming, audio)
- Older 1.x models (e.g. Gemini 1.5 Pro/Flash) are still documented, with the explicit lifecycle identification; now largely replaced or in “legacy” status
- Gemini Nano: On-device models (e.g. Nano‑1, Nano‑2) for Android/Pixel, optimized for keyboard completion, Smart Reply, small assistant features
In January 2026, Google launched a Lifecycle system introduced for Gemini models, which clearly shows which models “latest“(current), “Preview“(preview) or “Deprecated“(discontinued/switched off).
Gemini 3: November release overview
Before we explain Gemini in more detail as an AI application in general, we have the most important updates to the November 2025 release Briefly summarized. Google CEO Sundar Pichai published that Gemini 3 allows “to bring every idea to life”, with a particular focus on multimodality, agentic coding, and visual and interactive outputs.
Everything you need at a glance:
More updates in January 2026
In January, several new features were presented individually by Google, including Agentic Vision in Gemini 3 Flash, a new feature that combines visual thinking with code execution to base responses on visual evidence.
Gemini now also offers Personal Intelligence, a beta feature in the US, that connects Gemini to Google apps such as Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search so that personalized and helpful answers can be delivered. Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers can enable this feature in Gemini settings.
The Gemini API has recently supported the Registering Google Cloud Storage objects and https/signed URLs. This allows data to be transferred directly to the Gemini API without having to upload it again. In addition, the maximum payload size for inline data has been increased from 20 MB to 100 MB.
What does this mean specifically for users?
For users and companies, Gemini offers improved, multimodal AI support for text, images, layouts, planning, and scalable enterprise solutions. Developers have more control and flexibility through deep “thinking,” expanded media inputs, structured outputs, and more tool integrations than ever before. This means faster implementation for software projects, such as prototypes, using the Gemini app, developer tools and the combination of Antigravity and Gemini 3.
What is behind Google Gemini?
Google Gemini comprises a family of multimodal large language models, which are able to understand and generate texts, images, videos and programming code themselves. There are two terms in this definition that should be better explained so that you can understand Google Gemini better.
As Large Language Models (LLM for short) In the field of artificial intelligence, neural networks are primarily referred to as neural networks that are able to understand, process and generate human language themselves in various ways. The term “large” describes the property that these models are trained on vast amounts of data and have several billion neurons or parameters that recognize the underlying structures in the text.
Multimodal models are part of machine learning and include architectures that can process several variants of data, the so-called modalities.
The most important features of Gemini
Google Gemini has become a broadly deployable AI ecosystem and Gemini 3 will be rolled out "aAt the scale of Google“ — i.e. simultaneously in several core products such as Google Search, Chrome, Workspace, and Google Apps. Gemini can generate generative content such as text, images, and videos and combine contextual and personal intelligence with productivity and automation features such as auto-browse and agentical tasks.
Here are a few possible uses of the Gemini models:
- Marketing and content creation: automated texts for posts, captions, campaign planning and image generation
- Productivity and workspace: Summaries of documents, slides, and transcripts with personal intelligence as a connection between Google products
- Research and analysis: Report generation, multimodal analysis and step-by-step task processing
- Coding capabilities: Code generation, debugging and refactoring, and automated application development
Interpretation and generation with native multimodality
Just like GPT-5, OpenAI's latest model and the currently most used LLM, Google Gemini is multimodal, meaning it can process various types of inputs, such as texts, images, videos or programming code, and also provide them as output. Gemini was developed from the outset, i.e. natively, multimodally, so that complex conclusions and outputs can be generated from a wide variety of input formats. As a result, demanding tasks in areas such as mathematics or physics as well as data-intensive analyses can be completed much more efficiently. In addition, the improved deep-think and multi-expert architecture allows even more precise analysis and problem solving in several steps.
and Gemini can program and provide a finished application simply by analyzing an image. This allows websites to be recreated, for example, by giving Gemini a screenshot of the current page. Although a screenshot cannot depict the full complexity of a website or program, it serves as a good starting point for further programming.
Image generation and video creation
Gemini supports image generation and image processing via image models, such as Imagen ¾, which are integrated as “Nano Banana”. Text-to-image prompts provide photorealistic or stylized images based on the individual user request. Users can also combine text and image, e.g. by using Gemini to generate a new one from two images, including a suitable description. In an example from Google, it is shown how to make an octopus made of wool from two different colored balls of wool, supplemented by instructions on how to make it. Ann.
Agentic capabilities
In 2026, Gemini 3 is clearly positioning itself as an agent system with browser and app control.
Deep Research is a specialized mode in Gemini 3 and represents an agentic research assistant. The web is searched autonomously (including Gmail/Drive) to collect information and create multi-page reports with sources, visuals, and YouTube integrations. Agentic workflows are at the focus of development, as they enable autonomous task execution, even for multi-step processes. This includes the live web browsing feature, Integrate with Google apps such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Maps.
Gems allow you to create tailor-made assistants, such as a “marketing expert gem” that plans campaigns and optimizes SEO keywords.
Through the Live API, Gemini enables real-time conversations with continuous back-and-forth streaming: Audio and video inputs are processed live, ideal for voice agents in customer service. Gemini Live is available in over 45 languages, which significantly facilitates communication across borders. Google AI Pro users can also set Gemini to remember previous conversations. This makes the interaction even more personalized, but the protection of personal data must be taken into account.
Gemini in the early days
Google Gemini was unveiled for the first time at a virtual press conference on December 6, 2023. At the same time, both the Google blog and the website of the AI company Google DeepMind went online, which describe the functionalities of the new AI family. Early versions enabled simple code generation, image editing, and the combination of text and image information, among other things. Gemini found its first applications for basic research and learning support. With the introduction of Gemini 2 and subsequent updates, these capabilities have been steadily improved, in particular through deep think modes for multi-stage reasoning, editing longer documents, and analyzing complex mathematical and scientific tasks.
Which versions of Gemini are currently on the market?
Gemini 3
The “Gemini 3” series with the Flash and Pro variants has represented Google's central model generation for powerful AI applications since the end of 2025 and was officially released on November 18, 2025. The Gemini 3 rollout will continue gradually in 2026:
- End users can access Gemini 3 via the Gemini app and web as well as browser integrations (including Search and Chrome)
- Developers can use Gemini 3 via the Gemini API, Google AI Studio, Vertex AI and the agent-oriented development environment Google Antigravity
- Companies and enterprise customers get access via Gemini Enterprise, via admin approvals in the control panel (“Gemini 3 Pro (Preview)” activated)
Some features, including newer image/video features, are still in preview status at the beginning of 2026. Parallel to the release of Gemini 3, the new Google Antigravity development platform, an agent‑first IDE, was presented. The older generation 2 models will still be available, but Google is now clearly focusing on Gemini 3. Architecturally, the model continues to use a “sparse mixture-of-experts (MoE)” architecture, which takes multimodality and interpretation of inputs to a new level.
Gemini 3.0 has an equally high input token limit of 1,048,576 and token output limit of 65,536 compared to Gemini 2.5, with intelligent retrieval and storage methods. Noteworthy are also the flexible media processing and quality control with the parameter media_resolution. This regulates the resolution with which images/videos are processed. The parameter thinking_level allows the control of the “depth of thought” or internal reasoning phase of AI.
Another step forward is the output of generative user interfaces (UI), i.e. users are offered visual and interactive outputs depending on the application instead of answers in text form. An example was presented by Google as follows:
Until now, users have perceived the rollout as staggered, depending on region, user status (Free, Pro, Enterprise), or platform (web vs. mobile app). In principle, however, Gemini 3 should be completely rolled out promptly.
Gemini 2.5 Pro
As part of the development of Gemini 2.5, the Pro version was equipped with a major update for programming tasks. Since June 2025, 2.5 Pro is fully available. The model now understands coding requests even more intuitively and delivers stronger results, allowing users to create compelling web applications faster with Canvas, for example. This upgrade builds on the consistently positive feedback on the original 2.5-Pro version, particularly with regard to programming and multimodal reasoning skills.
Gemini 2.5 Pro is available both via the web app at gemini.google.com and via the mobile app for Android and iOS. Previously, access to this model was limited to subscribers of the paid Google AI Pro (formerly Gemini Advanced). However, it is now offered both in paid and trial versions in the free version.
Older Versions: Gemini 2.5 Flash and later
In January 2026, Google announced that a wide range of Generation 2 models were no longer supported. The following models are to be discontinued on February 17, 2026:
- Gemini 2.5-Flash Preview-09-25
- Imagen-4.0-generate-preview-06-06
- imagen-4.0-ultra-generate-preview-06-06
In addition, the following models are to be sold by March 31, 2026:
- Gemini 2.0 flash
- Gemini 2.0 Flash 001
- Gemini 2.0 Flash Lite
- Gemini 2.0 flash lite-001
The Gemini 2.5 flash image preview has already been shut down.
Since mid-2025, Gemini 2.5 Flash has been generally available (no longer experimental). The model particularly shone for tasks that require precise logical thinking and deeper context processing. It built on the strengths of previous Flash versions, but offered additional improvements in reasoning, data analysis, and document summaries. In the Gemini app, a Flash class model (usually Gemini 3 Flash) can now be used without a paid subscription.
Gemini 2.0 and predecessor
The first generations of Google Bard and the early Gemini models laid the foundation for Google's multimodal AI, but are now largely replaced by newer versions. Old model series are therefore more interesting from a historical perspective, but they only play a minor role in current use and in professional applications.
Gemini 2.0 was presented in December 2024 and not only brought exciting new features, but also showed for the first time how versatile modern AI can be. This model series has now largely been replaced by Gemini 3. A particular focus is on proactive support: With so-called autonomous agents, Gemini 2.0 plans ahead and acts independently — always under human supervision, of course. For example, when planning trips, Gemini could independently suggest suitable flights, hotels or activities that fit the user profile perfectly.
There are four different versions of Gemini 2.0: Flash, Flash Lite, Flash Thinking (experimental) and Pro (experimental). Die Flash version Gemini 2.0 has been generally available since January 2025. The special feature: The new version works twice as fast as its predecessor and supports not only text but also multimodal editions such as images or audio. At the same time, Google Gemini 2.0 has integrated Flash into products such as Google Search, for even more precise answers to complex questions.
In addition, Gemini 2.0 was tested in innovative prototypes, including Project Astra, a versatile assistant with advanced dialog capabilities, and Project Mariner, a smart browser extension. Gemini 2.0 also showed how versatile AI can be used in the gaming world and robotics — from assisting players to applications with spatial thinking.
Gemini 1.5
Since 2025, Gemini 1 and 1.5 have been considered obsolete (legacy) and are no longer actively used in Gemini products. Version 1.5 was announced at the beginning of 2024, shortly after Google released the three variants Gemini 1.0 Ultra, Pro and Nano.
Gemini 1.5 Pro delivers comparable results to Gemini 1.0 Ultra, but requires less computing power and has impressive capabilities in understanding particularly long contexts and creating various types of audio (music, speech, audio tracks for videos). Gemini 1.5 Pro is able to process
- One hour of video
- 11 hours audio
- 30,000 lines of code and
- 700,000,000 words
Gemini 1.5 Flash is a lighter model compared to Gemini 1.5 Pro, which is optimized for speed and efficiency and is less expensive to deploy. Since the end of July 2024, this version has also been used for free use of the Gemini AI chatbot. Since the end of August 2024, there has been an addition to the Gemini 1.5 family. Logan Kilpatrick, the product manager of Google AI Studio, announced on X (formerly Twitter) on August 27, 2024, that the company had released three new variants of Gemini: a smaller model (Gemini 1.5 Flash-8B), a “more powerful” model (Gemini 1.5 Pro) and the “significantly improved” Gemini 1.5 Flash.
Gemini 1.0
The Gemini 1.5 generation had ushered in the successor to 1.0 in 2024. Gemini 1.0 It still exists technically, but is hardly actively used in practice anymore. The original model consists of three clearly defined Versions: Ultra, Pro and Nano. Ultra is the most powerful model in the series and was developed for particularly complex tasks. It requires a corresponding amount of computing power and therefore runs exclusively in cloud-based environments, not on mobile devices.
Gemini 1.0 Pro is designed as a versatile model, the “all-rounder”, and intended for a wide range of applications. Google initially used it in the free version of the Gemini chatbot, among other things.
Gemini 1.0 Nano is specifically designed for on-device calculations on compatible Android devices. It makes it possible to perform certain tasks locally on the device without necessarily transmitting the data to Google servers. Nano thus supports applications where data processing directly on the smartphone is useful or necessary, provided that the appropriate hardware is available.
How can Google Gemini be used?
Google Gemini can be used directly from apps, browsers/Google services, API/Studio/VERTEX AI, or enterprise platforms, both for end users, developers and companies.
Google AI Pro (formerly Gemini Advanced) subscribers can use Gemini 3 Pro or 2.5 Pro without a usage limit. Non-paying users still have access to Flash and Pro variants, but with limited usage limits; as soon as the limit is reached, they automatically fall back to the next lowest model variant, usually Gemini 3 Flash or — if not available — Gemini 2.5 Flash.
On Android phones, Google Gemini replaces Google Assistant as the standard AI assistant. Various Gemini nano models are used, which work multimodally and interact via text, images or speech.
For iOS users The Gemini app must be installed to allow access to Gemini models via Apple devices.
The deep integration of Gemini into the Google ecosystem, including Gmail, Calendar, Keep, and Maps, also improves the user experience and makes it easier to deliver information. Google explains this feature as follows: “Have Gemini pick the lasagna recipe from your Gmail account and ask the AI Assistant to add the ingredients to your Keep shopping list.”
Within Google Maps For example, users can ask about activities or locations directly in the app, and Gemini provides personalized recommendations — all in real time and without their own search. Also on the Google TV, Gemini replaces the Google Assistant and with a new feature, Gemini can appear on the lock screen of smart home devices so that users can easily control the lights, heating or cameras, for example, without unlocking their mobile phones.
Google Gemini or GPT?
Gemini 3 and GPT-5 are close competitors in 2026, albeit with complementary strengths.
When OpenAI was launched in November 2022 with ChatGPT When the GPT-3 model was launched, the hype was enormous and Google was waiting for it to answer. It wasn't until March 2023 that Google released Bard, the predecessor of Gemini, which initially stood out primarily due to incorrect or humorous answers. However, with the renaming and development of Google Gemini, the chatbot has made a significant leap in quality and is now considered a serious competitor. Gemini is growing aggressively (18-24% GenAI market share at the beginning of 2026), particularly through search, Android and workspace integration (~650M MAU), but lags behind ChatGPT (~1.2—1.5 B MAU, 60-70% market share).
Gemini particularly shines when it comes to multimodality and Google integration, whereas GPT-5 shines when it comes to adaptive reasoning and developer tooling. We have briefly summarized recommendations for use:
From a technical point of view, both systems are constantly catching up. Gemini is currently doing very well in benchmarks for multimodality (processing of text, image, audio, video). GPT-5, on the other hand, is a leader in the areas of logical thinking, complex reasoning and scientific applications. OpenAI also relies on highly specialized submodels and advanced API functions, while with Gemini, Google focuses more on seamless integration into the Google ecosystem and everyday applications, but also on creative features such as video creation (Veo).
Which model is the “better” choice, therefore, depends heavily on the application. Both are thus setting new standards for the practical use of AI.
In addition to these top dogs, however, the other competing players' chatbot systems and large language models should not be overlooked, which are also convincing, for example, because they require less computing power. We offer a detailed overview of 20 ChatGPT alternatives.
Conclusion
Google Gemini has established itself as a versatile AI system that stands out in particular due to its multimodal strengths and integration into the Google ecosystem. It also shines with continuous additions to functions such as Gemini Live, Scheduled Actions or Veo. Gemini is thus increasingly positioning itself as a personal assistant who takes on tasks and supports creative processes.
OpenAI, on the other hand, is setting new standards in the area of logical thinking and complex reasoning with GPT-5. While Gemini is particularly impressive with an enormous context window, multimodal processing and practical functions, GPT-5 shows its strengths in analytical depth and linguistic precision. The choice of the appropriate model depends heavily on the intended use:
- Gemini is particularly suitable for users who value everyday usability and creative experiments and who already make heavy use of Google services.
- GPT-5, on the other hand, remains the first choice for demanding analysis and research tasks.
One thing is clear: Both systems will set the standard in the AI landscape in 2025 and drive competition forward.
Despite their impressive functionalities, Google Gemini and GPT models are only conditionally suitable for companies' customer communication. Control over content and tonality, as well as legal requirements, is limited.
moinAI combines the power of modern language models with complete control over spending and communication policies, so that companies can implement chatbots that operate consistently and in line with the brand.
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