Google releases Nano Banana 2.1 image model

Google released Nano Banana 2.1, an image-generation and editing model. It replaced Nano Banana 2, which Google had launched in February 2026, and the company said the new version improved across several areas.

Google said it reduced prices by about half. A 1K image cost 3.36 cents instead of 6.70 cents, while a 4K image fell to 7.56 cents from 15.10 cents; Nano Banana Pro was listed at 13.40 cents per 1K image.

According to Google, version 2.1 improved visual quality, text handling, character consistency, panoramas and infographics. The model could use up to 14 reference images, keep up to four characters and ten objects consistent, and connect to Google Search.

The article said 2.1 sometimes outperformed Pro in benchmarks, but Nano Banana 2 had also matched it in those tests. In day-to-day use, Nano Banana Pro often still produced better images, and Google described 2.1 as its more efficient counterpart.

Google said the model ran at Flash speed, supported 1K, 2K and 4K output, and was rolling out in the Gemini app, AI Mode in Google Search, Google AI Studio, Flow by Google, Stitch by Google, Google Ads and Gemini Enterprise Platform. It also said gemini-3.1-flash-image would be shut down on 29 October 2026.