Google Gemini 3 Flash Now Powers Default App & AI Mode
▼ Summary
– Google has released Gemini 3 Flash as the new default model in its Gemini app and for AI Mode in Search globally.
– The model is available for developers in preview via the Gemini API and associated Google development platforms.
– Gemini 3 Flash is priced at $0.50 per million input tokens and $3.00 per million output tokens, which is higher than its predecessor.
– Google states the new model uses 30% fewer tokens on average than Gemini 2.5 Pro and is cited as being three times faster.
– The rollout provides free Gemini app users with the Gemini 3 experience and offers developers a new, faster option for high-volume workflows.
Google has launched Gemini 3 Flash, a new and faster addition to its Gemini 3 family of AI models. This release is significant as it now serves as the default model for all free users within the Gemini app worldwide. Simultaneously, it is becoming the standard model for the AI Mode feature in Google Search, marking a major step in making advanced AI more accessible across Google’s core platforms.
This update follows the recent introduction of the Gemini 3 Pro model in preview and the announcement of Gemini 3 Deep Think, a specialized mode for enhanced reasoning tasks. The rollout of Gemini 3 Flash represents a direct upgrade for everyday users and developers alike, replacing the previous default, Gemini 2.5 Flash.
For the average user, the change is seamless and cost-free. Anyone using the standard Gemini app will now automatically interact with the Gemini 3 Flash model, experiencing its improvements without any action required on their part. In Search, the AI Overviews and other AI-powered features within AI Mode will also default to this new, faster model as the update propagates globally.
Developers and businesses have new tools at their disposal. Gemini 3 Flash is available in preview through the Gemini API, accessible via platforms like Google AI Studio, Vertex AI, and Gemini Enterprise. Integration tools such as the Gemini CLI and Android Studio also support the new model. This provides builders with a powerful option for high-volume applications.
Regarding cost, the pricing for Gemini 3 Flash via the API is set at $0.50 per million input tokens and $3.00 per million output tokens. This positions it between the previous Flash model and the Pro tier. For comparison, Gemini 2.5 Flash is listed at $0.30 and $2.50 for input and output tokens, respectively. Google emphasizes that Gemini 3 Flash achieves greater efficiency, using roughly 30% fewer tokens on average for common tasks compared to Gemini 2.5 Pro. Independent benchmarks cited by the company suggest it operates about three times faster than the 2.5 Pro model.
The shift to Gemini 3 Flash as a default is a substantial upgrade for Google’s ecosystem. It delivers a more capable AI experience to millions of users at no additional charge, while offering developers a performant and cost-effective model for scaling their applications. As this rollout continues, users in the United States will also find Gemini 3 Pro available as an optional selection within the AI Mode model menu in Search, providing further choice for those needing advanced capabilities.
(Source: Search Engine Journal)
