Google releases Nano Banana 2 Lite for faster low-cost image generation

TechCrunch reports that Google released Nano Banana 2 Lite, a lower-latency and lower-cost version of its in-house AI image and video generation line. Google says the model can produce images in about four seconds and costs $0.034 per 1,000 images. The model is available through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and Google's Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform. Google also announced wider availability of Gemini Omni Flash and a demo called Omni Product Studio for turning static product images into e-commerce videos.

Key details: Published June 30, 2026 by TechCrunch, Nano Banana 2 Lite is optimized for speed and high-volume workflows, Google says it can generate images in about four seconds, Google lists pricing at $0.034 per 1,000 images, The model is available through AI Studio, the Gemini API, and Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform.

Why it matters: Google is pushing generative media toward commodity pricing, making image creation economics as important as raw model quality for enterprise adoption.