Google Shuts Down Pixel Studio, Directs Users to Gemini

Google is shutting down its Pixel Studio app, an AI-powered image generation tool that launched with the Pixel 9 smartphone series in 2024. The app, which was pre-installed on Pixel 9 and later models, is being discontinued less than two years after its debut.

The final update, version 2.3, is now rolling out to users worldwide. Instead of offering its core functionality, the updated app displays a message directing users to try Nano Banana in the Gemini app for creating images and animations. A prominent "Open Gemini" button redirects users to the Gemini app or, if it is not installed, to the Google Play Store to download it. This change completely disables the ability to generate new AI images within Pixel Studio.

Google had signaled this move for several months. Earlier this year, the company began removing generative AI tools from the app in some regions, and a recent update to the Gboard keyboard removed a sticker creation feature linked to Pixel Studio. The tech giant confirmed its plans to wind down the app in February.

Pixel Studio allowed users to create digital artwork, stickers, and wallpapers using simple text prompts. It could also modify existing photos. All user...