# Google launches Gemini Nano Banana 2.1 and retires Flash-image model

> The new Gemini Nano Banana 2.1 model is now generally available, offering faster, cheaper image generation with higher quality. The older gemini-3.1-flash-image model will be shut down on Oct. 29, 2026.

Oossa · 2026-10-06 · https://oossa.com/en/google-launches-gemini-nano-banana-2-1-and-retires-flash-image-model

Event date: 2026-10-06

Google announced that its Gemini Nano Banana 2.1 model is now generally available. The model is billed as a high‑efficiency image generator that keeps the speed and low cost of the previous Flash‑level models but improves visual quality, prompt adherence, multi‑turn character consistency, text rendering, and support for very wide or tall aspect ratios. It can create images up to 4K resolution in formats such as 1:4, 4:1, 1:8, and 8:1.

## What’s changing for existing users?

Google is deprecating the older gemini-3.1-flash-image model. The service will be turned off on October 29, 2026, so developers need to switch their code to use gemini-nano-banana-2.1 before then. The changelog points users to the Image generation guide for migration steps.

## The facts

- Gemini Nano Banana 2.1 became generally available on October 6, 2026.
- The model supports image generation at 1K, 2K, and 4K resolutions.
- It adds support for extreme aspect ratios: 1:4, 4:1, 1:8, and 8:1.
- The older gemini-3.1-flash-image model will be shut down on October 29, 2026.
- Gemini Nano Banana 2.1 keeps Flash‑level speed and cost efficiency.

## Why it matters

For developers who embed image generation in apps, the new model offers better quality without higher costs, letting them create richer visuals. They must update their integration before Oct. 29, 2026, or their existing image calls will stop working. The impact on end users will be smoother, higher‑quality images in the products they use.

## Sources & references

1. [ai.google.dev: October 6, 2026](https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/changelog#10-06-2026) – Google Gemini API, 2026-10-06
2. [New on OpenRouter: Google: Nano Banana 2.1](https://openrouter.ai/google/gemini-nano-banana-2.1) – OpenRouter API, 2026-10-06
3. [Google's new image model Nano Banana 2.1 generates better images for less money](https://the-decoder.com/googles-new-image-model-nano-banana-2-1-generates-better-images-for-less-money/) – The Decoder, 2026-10-06

Last updated: 2026-10-06