Google rolls out Gemini 3 Flash to AI Mode in Search globally

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.