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Google's Gemini 4 enters training, Pichai says it's a 'critical step' to catch up

Google's next-generation AI model, Gemini 4, has officially entered training, CEO Sundar Pichai announced during the company's second-quarter earnings call in 2026. He revealed that Google has poured "a significant amount of resources" into the project, signaling its importance in the company's AI strategy.

Based on Google's past release patterns, industry watchers expect Gemini 4 to be unveiled in November or December of this year. The announcement comes amid growing pressure on Google to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

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Admitting shortcomings, betting on Gemini 4

Notably, the previous model, Gemini 3.5 Pro, did not launch as planned in June, raising questions about Google's model iteration pace. When analysts pressed Pichai on whether Google can sustain its leadership, he didn't shy away from the challenges.

"The frontier model competition is incredibly dynamic," Pichai said, acknowledging the fast-changing competitive landscape. He pointed out that Google has previously launched multiple industry-leading models and continues to hold advantages in several areas.

But he also admitted specific weaknesses: Gemini still lags in key domains like programming and AI agents. The team is "highly focused" on these directions, he said, positioning Gemini 4 as a "critical step" to narrow the gap. Pichai expressed confidence in the current progress, saying he has "very positive feelings" about it and believes the user experience will speak for itself.

The stakes are high

With Anthropic's Claude series maintaining its lead in programming and OpenAI accelerating its iteration cycle, the pressure on Google is immense. As the year-end approaches, all eyes will be on whether Gemini 4 can deliver on Pichai's promises. It's shaping up to be the biggest showdown in AI large models in 2026.

Key Points:

  • Gemini 4 has entered training with significant investment from Google.
  • Expected release window: November or December 2026.
  • Pichai admitted Google lags in programming and AI agents.
  • Gemini 4 is positioned as a critical step to catch up with competitors like Anthropic and OpenAI.