Google releases Nano Banana 2.1 in the Gemini API
Nano Banana 2.1 is available in the Gemini API. Google’s current documentation lists no shutdown date for the older Nano Banana 2 model.
Google released Nano Banana 2.1 in the Gemini API on October 6. Its release notes describe a generally available update for image generation and editing through conversation.
Google says the model improves visual detail, text rendering and character consistency across revisions. It also fixes tiling artifacts in wide images at 2K and 4K.
The model page lists support for up to 14 reference images and adjustable thinking levels. ByteForward has not independently tested these claims.
Google also deprecated Gemini 3.1 Flash Image, known as Nano Banana 2. Its lifecycle table now lists no shutdown date and recommends the new model.
Correction added October 7, 2026. This article previously reported an October 29 shutdown date based on Google’s earlier documentation. The current release notes and lifecycle table say no shutdown date has been announced. We have updated the headline, summary and affected paragraph.
Developers using the older endpoint should test their editing workflows before switching.
Archival camera photograph by G1MFG at English Wikipedia, taken in 2017. Used under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0 and converted to WebP for site delivery. The photograph illustrates camera equipment.
