Published on: Dec 09, 2025 08:44 am IST
Google is reportedly set to launch its latest AI image generation model, Nano Banana 2 Flash, which aims to deliver faster response times at no cost to users. This product represents a significant evolution from the existing Flash model, designed for rapid image creation with low data processing demands. While Google has yet to confirm an official release date, expectations are high that the new model will soon be made available, particularly to free-tier users, a shift from the previous Nano Banana Pro model, which was not accessible to this segment.
A recent report from TestingCatalog indicates that Google is nearing the end of the development phase for Nano Banana 2 Flash. The publication noted references to this upcoming model in the code of the Gemini app. Internally, the Pro version was dubbed “Ketchup,” while the newly identified codename “Mayo” suggests a possible link to the forthcoming Flash iteration. Social media chatter has further fueled speculation, with several users claiming early access to the model.
Although Google has not disclosed comprehensive technical specifications, analysts anticipate that Nano Banana 2 Flash will adhere to the performance-oriented philosophy of the Flash series. This implies a focus on reducing latency and enhancing output speed rather than prioritizing high-precision image generation. Such changes could substantially lower data processing costs for Google and developers utilizing its API, potentially allowing free-tier users access to capabilities that were previously reserved for paying subscribers.
In addition to benefiting free-tier users, enhancements may be on the horizon for users of NotebookLM, which currently employs Nano Banana Pro for style-based image generation—accessible only to Google AI Pro subscribers. Should Nano Banana 2 Flash roll out for free-tier users, they might gain similar functionalities, albeit with likely usage limits, as Google generally imposes restrictions on high-demand tools offered at no charge.
Reports from users on social media platform X have surfaced, displaying images that they assert were created using Nano Banana 2 Flash. These claims imply that Google is conducting tests with a limited group of early adopters. Initial assessments indicate that the quality difference between the Pro and Flash versions may be narrower than anticipated, as the company appears to be appraising performance, speed, and reliability in preparation for a broader launch.
Despite the absence of an official announcement from Google, internal references and user reports strongly suggest that the rollout of Nano Banana 2 Flash is imminent. The introduction of this model may not only provide quicker image generation options but also expand access to AI tools within Google’s ecosystem, potentially democratizing capabilities that many users have long sought after.
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