Google lowers Flash costs and adds a faster 3.5 Flash-Lite tier

Google introduced Gemini 3.6 Flash and 3.5 Flash-Lite on 21 July, alongside a cyber-focused model paired with CodeMender. Announced 3.6 Flash prices were $1.50 per million input tokens and $7.50 per million output tokens. Flash-Lite was priced at $0.30 and $2.50 respectively, targeting high-throughput workloads.

Google said 3.6 Flash used 17% fewer output tokens than 3.5 Flash on the Artificial Analysis Index. That matters because a lower rate and fewer generated tokens can both reduce a task’s cost. The company also highlighted built-in computer use and improved coding evaluations. Teams should retain the distinction between listed token prices and complete workflow costs, which also depend on retries, tool calls and task length.