Gemini 3 Pro was introduced last month. Google has now unveiled Gemini 3 Flash and it’s a faster model. According to Google, it’s as fast as a Google search for most prompts and it’s built from the ground up for speed.
You’re using Gemini 3 Flash if you select “Fast” or “Thinking”. It’s now the default model in the Gemini app. Gemini 3 Pro is used if you pick “Pro” in the app and Google says Gemini 3 Pro remains the best choice for advanced math and code, but is confident that Flash will serve for all things.
No doubt Flash is easier on Google’s resources and it’s better in benchmarks than its predecessor, Gemini 2.5 Flash. It’s on the same level with OpenAI’s GPT-5.2 in some tests. It’s faster and better than Gemini 2.5 Pro.
Worldwide, Gemini 3 Flash has become the default model in AI Mode Google Search. Google states AI Mode is better at understanding your needs. It means you can ask more complex questions and it will supply a thoughtful and well-formatted reply.
For people in the US only, Gemini 3 Pro appears in Search. Follow this step to use it: select “Thinking with 3 Pro” in the AI Mode model drop-down menu, then, you’ll get “in-depth help for your toughest questions, including dynamic visual layouts with interactive tools and simulations”.
Also for people in the US, Nano Banana 3 Pro is available in Search too. Just do the following to be able to use it: select “Thinking with 3 Pro” in the AI Mode model picker, then choose “Create Images Pro”. Google will probably make these options easier in the future.
