Google has postponed the launch of Gemini 3.5 Pro, its most advanced AI model, after recent internal tests failed to meet expectations, particularly in programming tasks. The decision adds pressure to Alphabet’s AI strategy at a time when OpenAI and Anthropic are accelerating the development of new models.
Google prioritizes improvements before launch
The Gemini 3.5 Pro was initially scheduled for release in June following Sundar Pichai’s announcement at Google I/O. However, the company decided to extend the development process to improve the model’s performance before making it available to users.
According to people familiar with the project, Google recently updated the data used during system training to strengthen its code generation capabilities. The results obtained so far have not met the established internal goals.
Competition in artificial intelligence increases the pressure
The delay comes amid intense competition among leading artificial intelligence developers, OpenAI recently unveiled GPT-5.6, while Anthropic continues to develop its models after overcoming temporary restrictions imposed by US export controls.
Within Google, there is concern among some engineers, researchers, and managers that the company may be losing ground to its main competitors in crucial areas such as reasoning and programming.
Integration across multiple products also plays a role
Similarly, the Gemini launch process requires the coordination of numerous teams because the technology must be integrated into services like Google Search, Maps, and YouTube. This strategy aims to ensure consistent performance across Alphabet’s entire product ecosystem, although it also increases the complexity of each update.
Sources close to the project indicate that this integration is one of the factors that explain the longer timeframes for releasing new versions of the model.
Alphabet maintains its development strategy
After the information was released, Alphabet’s shares registered a drop of nearly 3%, the company indicated that it continues to test Gemini 3.5 Pro along with an improved version of the Flash model and other developments with various strategic partners.
A Google spokesperson stated that the company continues to launch new models while working to offer increasingly efficient and cost-effective solutions for its customers. They also confirmed that Google maintains collaborations with the U.S. government related to the responsible development of artificial intelligence.
The AI market maintains an accelerated pace
The delay of Gemini 3.5 Pro reflects the increasing technical demands faced by companies developing artificial intelligence models. Improving reasoning, optimizing programming performance, and reducing operating costs have become crucial factors for competing in a market where innovation is advancing rapidly.
Source: Bloomberg
Photo: Shutterstock
