Google Rolls Out Gemini 3 Flash as Default AI Model
Google has launched Gemini 3 Flash, a new version of its artificial intelligence model, and made it the default model in the Gemini app and AI Mode across Google Search and services. The rollout replaces the earlier Gemini 2.5 Flash model for everyday use, though users can still choose higher-end models like Gemini 3 Pro for more complex or specialised tasks such as advanced reasoning, math, or coding.
What’s New in Gemini 3 Flash
Gemini 3 Flash is designed to combine strong performance with faster responses and lower operational costs compared with earlier models. Google says the new model offers improved speed and efficiency while handling multimodal input — including text, images and videos — which helps it serve everyday search and chat functions more quickly and at a broader scale. The upgrade aligns with Google’s push to integrate its latest AI capabilities more deeply across consumer and business products.
User and Developer Impact
Making Gemini 3 Flash the default means millions of users worldwide will interact with it in the Gemini app and in Search without needing to select a model manually. Developers building apps with Gemini will also see the updated model in tools and APIs by default, though they retain the option to access more specialised or powerful models when needed.
AI Landscape and Competition
The launch underscores ongoing competition in generative AI, as companies seek to balance performance, speed and cost. Google’s move with Gemini 3 Flash follows recent model releases from other major AI developers and reflects broader efforts to make advanced AI accessible to a wide user base.
