Google today began rolling out Gemini 3 Flash as the default model powering AI Mode in Search worldwide. The upgrade brings faster performance and stronger reasoning to AI-generated search responses, Google said.

Why we care. With AI Mode, Google continues to transition toward an AI-first search approach. More queries could be answered directly in AI Mode, reducing reliance on traditional organic listings. Improved reasoning allows AI Mode to handle comparison and planning tasks, multi-intent searches, and research-style queries.

What’s changing. Gemini 3 Flash now powers AI Mode in Search globally.

  • It replaces earlier Flash-class models previously used in AI Mode.
  • AI Mode responses now use Gemini 3-level reasoning with lower latency.

Google is also expanding access to Gemini 3 Pro in Search in the U.S.

  • Users can now select “Thinking with 3 Pro” in the AI Mode model menu for more in-depth help on complex questions, including dynamic visual layouts and interactive tools generated on the fly.

What AI Mode does. According to Google, AI Mode:

  • Breaks complex queries into multiple parts.
  • Pulls real-time information and links from across the web.
  • Presents answers in structured, visually organized formats.
  • Handles multi-step tasks (e.g., trip planning, learning complex topics).

What Google is saying. In a blog post, Tulsee Doshi, senior director, product management, wrote:

Building on the reasoning capabilities of Gemini 3 Pro, AI Mode with Gemini 3 Flash is more powerful at parsing the nuances of your question. It considers each aspect of your query to serve thoughtful, comprehensive responses that are visually digestible — pulling real-time local information and helpful links from across the web. The result effectively combines research with immediate action: you get an intelligently organized breakdown alongside specific recommendations — at the speed of Search.

This shines when tackling complex goals with multiple considerations like trying to plan a last-minute trip or learning complex educational concepts quickly.

Image generation expands in AI Mode. Google also announced expanded access to Nano Banana Pro, its Gemini 3 Pro–powered image generation and editing model, in Search.

  • More U.S. users can now create and edit images directly in AI Mode by selecting “Thinking with 3 Pro” and then “Create Images Pro.”
  • Users can add visual explainers, diagrams, and infographics alongside AI-generated answers.

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Danny Goodwin

Danny Goodwin is Editorial Director of Search Engine Land & Search Marketing Expo – SMX. He joined Search Engine Land in 2022 as Senior Editor. In addition to reporting on the latest search marketing news, he manages Search Engine Land’s SME (Subject Matter Expert) program. He also helps program U.S. SMX events.

Goodwin has been editing and writing about the latest developments and trends in search and digital marketing since 2007. He previously was Executive Editor of Search Engine Journal (from 2017 to 2022), managing editor of Momentology (from 2014-2016) and editor of Search Engine Watch (from 2007 to 2014). He has spoken at many major search conferences and virtual events, and has been sourced for his expertise by a wide range of publications and podcasts.