Google has officially introduced Gemini 3 Flash, expanding its latest generation of AI models following the debut of Gemini 3 Pro last month.
As the name suggests, Gemini 3 Flash is designed with speed as its top priority, and Google claims it delivers responses that feel nearly as instant as a traditional Google Search for most user prompts.
With this launch, Gemini 3 Flash becomes the default model in the Gemini app. Users selecting either the “Fast” or “Thinking” modes are now powered by Flash, while Gemini 3 Pro remains available under the “Pro” option. According to Google, Gemini 3 Pro continues to be the preferred choice for advanced tasks such as complex mathematics and coding, but Gemini 3 Flash is positioned as the ideal option for everyday use.
From a performance standpoint, Gemini 3 Flash represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, Gemini 2.5 Flash. Google says the new model delivers substantial benchmark improvements and, in some tests, performs on par with OpenAI’s GPT-5.2. Impressively, Gemini 3 Flash even outperforms Gemini 2.5 Pro in certain evaluations, all while maintaining much faster response times and improved efficiency.
Efficiency is a key factor behind Google’s decision to push Flash as the default model. Because it requires fewer computational resources, Gemini 3 Flash allows Google to scale AI features more broadly without compromising speed or reliability.
Beyond the Gemini app, Gemini 3 Flash is now the default model in Google Search’s AI Mode worldwide. Google says this upgrade enhances AI Mode’s ability to understand nuanced questions, consider multiple constraints, and deliver clearer, more structured responses tailored to user needs.
Meanwhile, Gemini 3 Pro is also available in Search AI Mode, but only for users in the United States. By selecting “Thinking with 3 Pro” from the model drop-down menu, users can access deeper reasoning capabilities, interactive tools, simulations, and dynamic visual layouts for more complex queries.
Google has also enabled Nano Banana 3 Pro within Search for US users. Accessible through the same “Thinking with 3 Pro” option and the “Create Images Pro” setting, this feature adds advanced image generation capabilities to Search AI Mode.
While the growing range of AI options highlights Google’s rapid innovation, the company may need to simplify model selection in the future to improve usability for everyday users.