Google launches new Gemini models but skips 3.5 Pro release
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Google launches new Gemini models but skips 3.5 Pro release

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(Update: )
American multinational technology company
  • Google DeepMind launched three new Gemini models on July 21, 2026.
  • The new models focus on efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and cybersecurity applications.
  • The absence of the anticipated Gemini 3.5 Pro raises questions about Google's AI strategy.
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On July 21, 2026, Google DeepMind unveiled three new models in its Gemini series: Gemini 3.6 Flash, 3.5 Flash-Lite, and 3.5 Flash Cyber. The release is significant as it highlights Google's ongoing efforts to enhance its AI capabilities while also raising questions about its flagship model, Gemini 3.5 Pro, which was notably absent from this launch. Gemini 3.6 Flash is designed to be a versatile 'workhorse model' that improves performance in coding, knowledge work, and multimodal tasks while reducing token usage by up to 17%, making it more cost-effective than its predecessor. The 3.5 Flash-Lite model is positioned as the most economical option, catering to users looking for budget-friendly solutions. Meanwhile, the 3.5 Flash Cyber model is tailored for cybersecurity applications, specifically aimed at identifying and addressing vulnerabilities. This model will be available exclusively to governments and trusted partners as part of a limited access pilot program. The focus of these releases is to provide efficiency, reduced latency, and reliability for customers developing AI agents at scale. However, the absence of the anticipated Gemini 3.5 Pro raises concerns about Google's AI strategy, especially as competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic continue to release advanced models. The last update for Gemini Pro was in February, and internal delays have been reported in its development, as Google struggles to meet performance benchmarks. This situation underscores the competitive landscape in the AI sector, where rapid advancements are crucial for maintaining market relevance.