Google’s Gemini 3.5 Pro Faces Another Delay

Google’s Gemini 3.5 Pro is facing another delay, extending the wait for what was expected to be one of the company’s major frontier AI releases of 2026. Reports indicate that Google has continued testing the model with selected partners rather than releasing it broadly. The prolonged delay is drawing attention because competitors have continued launching increasingly capable models.

One of the reported problems involves coding performance and reliability. Google appears to be prioritizing additional testing rather than releasing the model before it meets the company’s performance expectations. Google has said the model is being tested with partners and will become broadly available when it is ready.

The delay is particularly notable because Google’s Flash models have continued moving forward. Gemini 3.5 Flash arrived earlier in 2026, followed by Gemini 3.6 Flash and other specialized versions. Reports now suggest Google is already preparing groundwork for a possible Gemini 3.7 Flash, potentially meaning another Flash model could arrive before the delayed 3.5 Pro.

The situation also comes as the AI competition becomes increasingly aggressive. OpenAI and Anthropic have continued releasing advanced models, putting pressure on Google to ensure its next flagship model can compete at the highest level. Analysts have argued that the delay risks changing perceptions of Google from an AI leader to a company that is struggling to keep pace with faster-moving rivals.

For Google, however, delaying the model may ultimately be preferable to launching an AI system that fails to meet expectations. The company is reportedly working on the next generation of models at the same time, including Gemini 4. The eventual release of Gemini 3.5 Pro will therefore be closely watched—not just for its benchmark performance, but for whether Google can turn its long development period into a meaningful advantage in the increasingly competitive AI market.