What the December 2025 Google Core Update Means for Local Businesses

Google Rolling Out December 2025 Core Update

Google has rolled out its December 2025 Core Update, and while ranking movement is expected, there is a more important shift happening behind the scenes. Google is continuing to blend AI directly into local search, and this update makes that direction very clear.

The update is still rolling out and may take several weeks to fully settle. During that time, Google is also expanding how Gemini pulls local business data into AI-generated answers.

Gemini Is Now Showing Map Snippets Inside AI Answers

This is the part local businesses need to pay attention to.

Gemini can now surface map snippets directly inside AI answers. That means Google Business Profiles are no longer limited to the traditional Map Pack. They can appear right inside AI responses when someone asks a local question.

If a user searches something like “best pizza near me” or “emergency plumber open now,” Gemini can respond with an AI-generated answer that includes actual nearby businesses pulled from Google Maps. Those listings are powered by your Google Business Profile data.

This is not a small change. It confirms that Google is officially merging AI answers with local search results. Google Business Profiles are now part of the AI experience, not just the map experience.

Google has already explained how business profile data is used across search surfaces in its Search Central documentation. Gemini is simply the next evolution of that system.

What This Means During the Core Update Rollout

Core updates almost always create ranking volatility while Google recalibrates results. That is normal. 

The mistake businesses make is reacting too quickly. Chasing every ranking change usually does more harm than good.

The smarter move is consistency. Google and Gemini both rely on long-term signals, not short-term tweaks. That means continuing to do the things that already work:

• Publish clear, helpful content that reflects real expertise.

• Collect detailed customer reviews that mention services and experiences.

• Upload fresh, real photos to your Google Business Profile.

• Post updates and offers directly to your profile on a regular basis.

These actions help Google understand your business with confidence. That confidence now affects whether you show up in AI answers as well.

Why This Raises the Stakes for Google Business Profiles

Gemini showing map snippets inside AI answers changes how customers discover local businesses. Visibility is no longer limited to blue links or the Map Pack. AI answers are now part of the decision-making process.

If your Google Business Profile is incomplete, outdated, or inactive, you are not just losing map visibility. You may be invisible inside AI-driven results altogether.

The businesses that win after this update will be the ones with accurate profiles, strong reviews, consistent activity, and real local signals.

If you want to make sure your profile is ready for this shift, take a look at Local Howl’s Google Business Profile optimization services.

The Takeaway

The December 2025 Core Update reinforces a clear message. Google is going all in on AI, but it is still relying on the local data it already trusts.

Gemini pulling map snippets into AI answers makes Google Business Profiles more important than they have ever been.

Let the update finish rolling out. Stay consistent. Keep your profile active and accurate. When the dust settles, the businesses with strong local foundations will be the ones showing up, not just on maps, but inside AI-powered search results too.