Gemini API: Gemini 3.6 Flash GA, Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite GA, and sampling parameter deprecations

Google’s Gemini API changelog says Gemini 3.6 Flash and Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite are now generally available (GA).

New GA models

In an entry dated July 21, 2026, Google lists two newly GA Flash-family models:

• Gemini 3.6 Flash (gemini-3.6-flash) — Google says it has improved token efficiency and better code/agentic planning capabilities, with a lower price point than 3.5 Flash.
• Gemini 3.5 Flash-Lite (gemini-3.5-flash-lite) — Google positions it as a low-latency, cost-effective option “designed for high-volume automation.”

If you run tool-using agents, the “Flash-Lite” tier is often a good default for subagents (triage, extraction, lightweight checks), while a stronger Flash model can handle planning or complex tool orchestration.

Deprecated parameters: temperature, top_p, top_k

The same July 21 entry also says the sampling parameters temperature, top_p, and top_k are now deprecated.

If your code sets these explicitly, plan time to review Google’s latest model guidance and update configurations.

Source

• Google AI for Developers — “Gemini API: Release notes” (July 21, 2026 entries): https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/changelog