Gemini app tests selector that controls how long the AI thinks

The Gemini app is getting a new setting called "Thinking level," which lets users decide how much time the AI model spends reasoning before it gives an answer. That's according to a May 17, 2026 report from the tech news site 9to5Google.

Two choices in the app

According to the report, the app offers two options: Standard and Extended. The names suggest you can either let the model work as usual or give it more time to think things through. The source doesn't say exactly what the two levels involve.

The selector appears when you choose the Fast model, which is based on Gemini 3 Flash, or the Gemini 3.1 Pro model.

Familiar from a developer tool

Similar levels already exist in Google AI Studio, a tool for developers. There they are called Low, Medium and High. It isn't documented that all three levels can also be selected in the Gemini app itself. The report mentions only Standard and Extended for the app.

Not available to everyone yet

The feature is in a limited rollout. According to the May 17, 2026 report, it was not widely available at that point, so not all users could see the selector. The source doesn't say what the situation is today.

What it means for you

When an AI "thinks" longer, it spends more time weighing its answer before writing it. With a selector, users can decide for themselves whether they want a quick answer or want the model to take longer. That is a general explanation of the idea behind the feature, though, and not something the source backs up with tests of how big a difference the two levels make in practice.

What this means for you

If you use Gemini for everyday things like a quick email or a recipe, you can stick with Standard and get answers fast. If you need the AI to help with something more complex, like comparing quotes or going through a long text, you can try Extended and give it more time to think. The selector appears when you use the Fast model or Gemini 3.1 Pro, so look for it there. Don't count on seeing it yet, as it is only rolling out to some users.