Gemini Nano Banana users stuck with 1:1 aspect ratio images as model ignores 16:9 landscape requests

Many Gemini users are reporting that the Nano Banana model is refusing to generate images in landscape orientation. Despite repeated attempts to create 16:9 widescreen images, the AI model stubbornly defaults to square 1:1 outputs, completely ignoring user specifications for different aspect ratios.

The issue first surfaced around a week ago when users noticed their previously reliable image generation tool had suddenly stopped responding to aspect ratio commands. What makes this particularly maddening is that just days before, the same users were successfully creating widescreen and portrait images without any hiccups.

I was able to reproduce this problem myself during testing. When specifically selecting Gemini Nano Banana to generate an image, the system gets locked into 1:1 aspect ratio mode. However, here’s the weird part: if you just tell regular Gemini to generate the image without selecting the Nano Banana model, it still produces various aspect ratios, including proper widescreen outputs.

Check the screenshot below for reference. The first image was generated without the Banana Image option, while the second image, with the same prompt, was generated using the Banana Image option.

User complaints have been flooding support forums and Reddit threads. “I tried multiple ways but it just doesn’t create 16:9 images,” wrote one frustrated user who noted they had successfully generated widescreen content multiple times before the recent issues began.

According to community discussions, Google is migrating users to newer systems while phasing out previous versions, with some models scheduled for deprecation by late September. This shift has created unexpected bottlenecks and compatibility problems that weren’t present in earlier iterations.

The frustrating part is the lack of communication from Google about these changes. Many paying subscribers discovered the limitations only after attempting to generate content, leading some to cancel their subscriptions entirely. “It’s simply unacceptable behavior from Google,” posted one user who described the removal of essential features as happening without explanation.

A Google Product Expert has acknowledged the issue in official forums, describing it as a “known limitation” while suggesting users provide feedback through proper channels. However, no timeline has been provided for when the functionality might be restored.

We’ll keep an eye out for any further developments and will post an update if and when there’s something to share.