Google Delays Gemini 3.5 Pro: Coding Remains a Major Challenge

Google Faces a Technical Challenge with Gemini 3.5 Pro

Google's Gemini 3.5 Pro language model is encountering significant difficulties in coding, leading to a delay in its launch. In comparison, competing models such as Claude Code and ChatGPT 5.3 Codex are performing better in this specific area, putting Google in a precarious position.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Google is several months behind schedule in deploying its Gemini 3.5 Pro model. Currently, only the 3.1 Pro version is available to users on the Gemini platform. In contrast, the 3.5 Flash and 3.5 Flash Lite versions have been available to the public for several weeks now.

The Challenges of Programming

The main obstacle to the launch of Gemini 3.5 Pro lies in its programming capabilities. An anonymous source revealed that Google has attempted to enhance these skills by adjusting the training data of its models. However, the results have not met expectations, delaying the market release of this version.

This situation is particularly problematic for Google as its competitors, notably OpenAI and Meta, have recently launched models that outperform Gemini in terms of coding performance.

Commercial Consequences for Google

The delay in launching Gemini 3.5 Pro raises concerns about Google's ability to retain its paying subscribers. These users, who benefit from more advanced services than free users, may be tempted to turn to competing platforms that offer more efficient models.

The longer the delay continues, the greater the risk of losing these customers. Google, which has invested billions of dollars in developing its language models, must demonstrate its ability to monetize these investments.

When asked by Bloomberg, a Google spokesperson stated:

• "We are rapidly deploying a wide range of models while keeping them highly profitable for our customers. We are currently testing 3.5 Pro, an enhanced Flash version, and other models with partners, and we are actively collaborating with the U.S. government on model testing and broader regulatory frameworks."

A History of Delays

This is not the first time Google has fallen behind its competitors. During the launch of ChatGPT, the company was already lagging, frequently changing the names of its projects from PaLM to Bard, and finally to Gemini.

This new delay adds to a series of postponements, and while Google has the capacity to bounce back, time is running out to remain competitive against its rivals.