Google has clarified how Gemini 3 will be used in Search after comments from Jonathon Heard, Google’s industry head for insurance, sparked confusion at an event hosted by Simply Business in London. While Heard suggested that complex queries would be automatically routed into AI Mode, Google later confirmed this is not accurate, emphasizing that Search will continue functioning as normal while using Gemini 3 behind the scenes to improve results.

Heard also referenced potential future improvements to Search Console reporting for AI Mode and AI Overviews, but Google confirmed those remarks were purely hypothetical – not confirmed roadmap items.

Google Corrects Misinterpretation Around Gemini 3

After speaking with Google, Search Engine Land reported that Heard’s statements were not aligned with what Google announced during the Gemini 3 launch.

Google clarified three key points:

• Heard is not part of the Google Search team, which contributed to the misinterpretation.
• Search will not reroute users into AI Mode for complex queries.
• Gemini 3 will support difficult queries, but only as part of internal model selection; users will not be shifted out of traditional Search.

This clarification directly counters the suggestion that Google planned to bypass normal results for long or highly technical queries.

Where the Confusion Began: Heard’s Comments

Heard originally stated that:

• Google would auto-route complex queries into AI Mode using Gemini 3.
• This behavior was “announced” during the Gemini 3 launch.
• Complex, niche scientific queries, such as multi-body gravitational physics problems would be surfaced through interactive generative UI, rather than long text pages.

He highlighted an example showing Gemini 3 producing an interactive graphic explaining how atoms move in space, claiming users would benefit from this more visual, immersive format.

However, Google later confirmed this was not what the Gemini 3 announcement meant.

What Google Actually Announced

Google’s Nov. 18 blog post from Elizabeth Reid stated:

“Search will intelligently route your most challenging questions in AI Mode and AI Overviews to this frontier model.”

In other words:

• Gemini 3 will power complex queries,
• but Search will not redirect users into AI Mode automatically.

This is about model selection, not interface redirection.

Google also distanced itself from earlier suggestions that AI Mode could replace standard Search, reaffirming that AI Mode remains optional.

Search Console: No Confirmed Plans for AI Mode Reporting

A panel question from Simon Schnieders asked whether Search Console might eventually separate data from:

• AI Mode, and
• AI Overviews

Currently, both feed into Search Console as standard web search data, giving publishers no visibility into how their content performs inside AI results.

Heard responded that Google is “looking at it,” suggesting future reporting would likely need to adapt as Search evolves. He also noted the pace of change and the need for better transparency.

Google later clarified:

• Heard’s comments were not official plans,
• There is no confirmed rollout,
• Google is only exploring what such reporting would require.

Impact on Publishers and SEO Teams

If Google ever bypassed traditional Search for certain queries, it could fundamentally alter:

• How users reach websites
• How organic visibility is measured
• How publishers understand attribution and traffic sources

For now, however, Google maintains that:

• Search remains the primary interface,
• AI Mode will not be the default,
• Gemini 3 acts behind the scenes, not as a forced UI shift.

Still, Google’s reluctance to break out AI Mode data remains a pain point for SEOs looking for transparency.

Insights on Zero-Click Searches

Heard also addressed the growing debate around zero-click behavior:

• He claimed that AI features lead to more, not fewer, clicks,
• Users become more curious as AI explores topics more deeply,
• Google sees higher engagement as AI Mode exposure increases,
• And Search is in “year 3 of a 10-year platform shift.”

Google did not dispute these comments.

Why This Matters

The misunderstanding underscores how sensitive the industry is to any signals of Google shifting users toward AI-first search. Even hypothetical statements can send ripple effects through publishers, SEOs, and advertisers.

For now:

• Complex queries will use Gemini 3 internally,
• Search results will not be replaced by AI Mode,
• Search Console reporting remains unchanged,
• And Google continues to stress that AI Mode is an optional experience.