Update Sparks BacklashLead
Google LLC's Gemini update 1.2026.2171801, released on June 3, 2026, has triggered a user backlash over what users describe as a significant increase in AI hallucinations, degrading the app's core function and causing its App Store rating to fall sharply.
Silent Backend ChangesRelease Summary
While Google did not publish specific release notes for this version, the update's timing aligns with broader strategic changes. In early June 2026, Google's official channels detailed the transition to newer, faster models like Gemini 3.5 Flash and the shutdown of older ones.[2] This context suggests the iOS update was a vehicle for significant backend changes and feature realignments, rather than a simple maintenance release, shipping these new models to users.
Functional RegressionsBreaking Changes
The update introduced several functional regressions. The chief complaint is a perceived decay in the AI's accuracy. One 1-star reviewer on version 1.2026.2171801 stated, "The present rate of hallucination makes it worse than useless for most tasks."
Users also reported the removal of valued features, with one 2-star review noting, "Doesn’t edit images anymore and makes me mad." This change coincides with Google's decision to consolidate its AI imaging tools. A third issue impacts international users, with a reviewer on the new version pointing out the app "badly needs Arabic RTL (Right-to-Left) text alignment support on iOS," a bug that renders text difficult to read.A thread on the r/GoogleGemini subreddit reinforced these concerns, where a user detailed how Gemini 3.5 fabricated an entire list of cars for sale, then admitted they were hallucinations. Archived.
Users also reported the removal of valued features, with one 2-star review noting, "Doesn’t edit images anymore and makes me mad." This change coincides with Google's decision to consolidate its AI imaging tools. A third issue impacts international users, with a reviewer on the new version pointing out the app "badly needs Arabic RTL (Right-to-Left) text alignment support on iOS," a bug that renders text difficult to read.A thread on the r/GoogleGemini subreddit reinforced these concerns, where a user detailed how Gemini 3.5 fabricated an entire list of cars for sale, then admitted they were hallucinations. Archived.
Rating CollapseUser Reception
The functional issues triggered a sharp drop in user satisfaction. The app's average rating fell from 3.66 to 2.87 stars, a decrease of 0.79 stars since the update. Before version 1.2026.2171801, reviews frequently praised the app's speed and accuracy, with one 5-star user calling it the "Best ai out."
After the release, review themes pivoted to the specific regressions of hallucinations and removed functionality. For a flagship product that secured over 15.7 million downloads in the last 30 days on iOS in the US alone, this shift in sentiment represents a significant event.
After the release, review themes pivoted to the specific regressions of hallucinations and removed functionality. For a flagship product that secured over 15.7 million downloads in the last 30 days on iOS in the US alone, this shift in sentiment represents a significant event.
Rapid Deployment RiskRoot Cause
The collection of issues points to a rapid and potentially premature deployment of backend changes. The spike in hallucinations likely stems from the rollout of a new model optimized for speed or cost, such as Gemini 3.5 Flash, without sufficient tuning. The removal of image editing is a direct result of product consolidation, as Google decommissions standalone apps like Pixel Studio to unify features under the Gemini brand.
Meanwhile, the Arabic RTL bug appears to be a regression overlooked during quality assurance.[3] The issue is a known, recurring problem on other Gemini platforms, which suggests a shared, faulty code component is responsible.
Meanwhile, the Arabic RTL bug appears to be a regression overlooked during quality assurance.[3] The issue is a known, recurring problem on other Gemini platforms, which suggests a shared, faulty code component is responsible.
A Test of TrustExpert Verdict
This incident puts Google's quality assurance process to the test. The company will likely issue a hotfix for the Arabic layout bug promptly. Resolving the increased hallucinations presents a more complex challenge, potentially requiring further model tuning or a partial rollback of the backend changes.
The image editing feature is unlikely to return in its previous form as Google pushes its unified AI strategy. This event suggests that in the competitive AI race, rapid model deployment may be outpacing the necessary safeguards to maintain functional reliability and user trust.
The image editing feature is unlikely to return in its previous form as Google pushes its unified AI strategy. This event suggests that in the competitive AI race, rapid model deployment may be outpacing the necessary safeguards to maintain functional reliability and user trust.