Google has unveiled Nano Banana 2, an upgraded version of its viral AI image generation model, as the tech giant intensifies competition in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence market. The company said Thursday that the new model delivers faster performance and improved image quality across its AI ecosystem.
New model expands across key Google products
According to the company, Nano Banana 2 is rolling out across several platforms, including the Gemini app, AI Mode and Lens features in Search, as well as Flow, Google’s AI-powered video tool. The launch reflects Google’s broader strategy to deepen user engagement with its AI offerings and strengthen its competitive edge.
The update builds on the strong momentum created by the original Nano Banana tool, which quickly gained viral traction after its debut last year. Within just four days of its September surge, the feature attracted roughly 13 million first-time users to the Gemini app. Subsequently, by mid-October, users had generated more than five billion images using the technology.
Moreover, Google followed the early success by releasing Nano Banana Pro in November, signaling its aggressive development pace in generative AI.
Upgrade focuses on speed and precision
Nano Banana 2 relies on Gemini’s Flash models, which the company says enable quicker image generation and editing while reducing computing costs. In addition, the new version improves instruction-following accuracy and produces sharper visual details, addressing key user demands.
The launch comes as competition with OpenAI intensifies, particularly around tools like ChatGPT. Google’s recent AI advances, including its Gemini 3 model, have significantly boosted user engagement. By the end of December, the Gemini app had surpassed 750 million monthly active users.
As the AI race accelerates, Google’s latest release signals the company’s determination to maintain momentum and capture a larger share of the rapidly growing market.
