Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash AI image-generation model was known internally as Nano Banana during pre-release testing — a quirky codename that ended up sticking. After Google officially launched Nano Banana in late August, the model quickly went viral again in September, briefly making Gemini the most downloaded iPhone app. What began as a testing nickname has now become an informal brand so strong that even Google uses “Nano Banana” in its official announcements, including the latest unveiling of its integration into Google Search.
Beyond the playful branding, the real news is how widely Google is expanding access to Nano Banana. The model is moving beyond the Gemini chatbot and third-party integrations like Adobe Photoshop. Soon, users will be able to generate or edit images directly within Google Lens and AI Mode in the Google app for Android and iPhone. That means you’ll be able to create AI-powered visuals without needing the Gemini app installed — a strategic move that could attract more users to try or subscribe to Gemini’s broader ecosystem.
How to use Nano Banana in Google Search
Using Nano Banana in the Google app is simple:
- Open Google Lens by tapping the camera icon in the Google app.
- Select the Create mode, marked by a yellow banana icon.
- Enter a text prompt or upload a photo to request edits.
- Review the AI-generated image and refine it further with updated prompts.
Google confirms that Nano Banana supports both selfie and regular photo editing. Meanwhile, AI Mode — the chatbot-like experience inside Google Search — also gained Nano Banana image-generation support this week. To create images from scratch, open the AI Mode panel, tap Create image, and type your prompt.
Initially, Nano Banana is rolling out in English in the U.S. and India, with more countries and languages coming soon. The model has also debuted inside NotebookLM, with support for Google Photos expected in the near future.
Nano Banana’s expansion marks Google’s latest push to fuse creative AI directly into its core apps — blending playful branding with powerful functionality that puts generative image tools just a tap away.
