Google expands AIOs and screen search capabilities on iOS. Organic listings dropped from SERPs when local ones are present. Apple to integrate Gemini

The latest edition of SEO News is ready for you to read:

Updates

No official algorithm updates yet.

Search / SEO

• Does Google Remove Organic Listings When Local Listings Are Present?

There has been active discussion within the SEO community about an unconfirmed Google Local feature that appears to remove organic listings from search results when the same URL appears in the local pack. This change suggests that if a page ranks in the local pack, it will likely not appear in the traditional organic results.

While this upgrade has not been officially confirmed, experts are recommending that businesses change the URL in their Google Business Profile to another page on their website to avoid potential issues.

SERP features / Interface

• (test) New Grid-Boxed Design for Search Results

Google is testing a new grid-boxed design for search results, providing a more structured layout for certain search features. Some users have expressed mixed reactions, while others are uncertain about the visual appeal of the new format. 

• (test) New "Background" Section in Search Results

Users can now see a new section in search called “Background,” which includes more in-depth context by offering articles from news publishers. 

Some users have reported seeing similar features like "Beyond the Headlines" in the mobile News tab, with options to switch between "For context" and "Interviews." 

AI

• Google Expands AI Overviews and Screen Search Capabilities to iOS

Google has expanded its AI-generated Overviews feature within Google Lens, which now shows up more frequently when users search for novel or unique images. The AI Overviews provide relevant explanations and links to helpful resources, which enhances the search experience. 

Additionally, Google has integrated this feature into Chrome and the Google app on iOS, allowing users to search their screen content directly. By selecting the “Search Screen with Google Lens” option in the three-dot menu, users can get visual matches, refine searches by color, brand, or other details, and even ask follow-up questions for deeper insights.

Tech SEO

•  Google: There Is No Persistent Shortcut to Speed Up Crawling

John Mueller confirmed that there is no "persistent shortcut" to faster crawling. While it is possible to expedite crawling in certain situations, there is no way to ensure faster crawling all the time. 

Нe explained that Google's systems, like all search engines, prioritize high-quality, unique content, and a strong technical foundation that does not hinder the crawling speed. To speed up crawling, websites need consistent high-quality content, uniqueness, value addition, and a solid technical structure.

• Google Explained Why No Special SEO is Needed for Pagination

To boot, John Mueller explained that there’s no need for special SEO treatment when it comes to paginated content. Google’s approach is straightforward: if something is useful on a paginated page, then it’s useful; if not, it doesn’t matter. 

There’s no need for a search engine to crawl 100 pages of a paginated set and combine them into a single URL. John emphasizes that SEO often assumes the need for complex solutions when, in fact, being explicit with search engines about what’s needed is often the best approach.

Local SEO

• Google Business Profiles Support Experiencing Backlog and Delays

Google Business Profiles support is currently experiencing significant delays, with a backlog of support requests, including issues related to suspended business reinstatements, video verification delays, and other technical support tickets. 

Their product experts confirmed the delays, advising users to be patient as they work through the backlog. If you are encountering long wait times for support, you're not alone, as many users are facing similar challenges.

• Google Now Provides Clear Reasons for Business Profile Verification Failure

Google has upgraded its verification failure notifications for Google Business Profiles, now providing detailed reasons when verification fails. When a verification video doesn't meet all necessary requirements, the email notification will specify what exactly was missing, such as showing the business location, nearby landmarks, and the business name on permanent fixtures like signage. 

• AI-Enhanced Images Now Available for Google Business Profile Posts

A new feature has been introduced for Google Business Profiles, which allows businesses to enhance their posts with AI-generated backgrounds. The feature enables users to transform images by adding engaging, AI-powered backgrounds, improving the visual appeal of the photos they use in their posts as a result. 

To use this feature, business owners simply need to upload a photo and select a theme for the background. The AI then processes the image and creates a more dynamic result. 

E-commerce

• Google Merchant Center Introduces AI-Generated Summaries for Merchants

Google Merchant Center has started offering AI-generated summaries for performance insights, marking an experimental feature in the platform. These summaries offer merchants a quick overview of their performance, including metrics like increased traffic and clicks, along with personalized suggestions for improvement, such as optimizing product titles. 

This feature, although in the testing phase, is being used by many merchants who have received AI-powered recommendations over the last few months. The quality and accuracy of these AI-generated summaries may vary as Google continues to refine the feature.

• AI-Generated Review Summaries Now Featured on Store Pages

AI-generated review summaries are now being displayed on some top-quality store pages. When users click on a retailer or merchant's top-quality store link, they may see an AI-generated summary at the top of the reviews labeled as "AI-generated from the reviews below and content on the web." This update aims to make it easier for users to get an overview of reviews without having to read through thousands of them. 

Tidbits 

Apple to Integrate Google Gemini into Apple Intelligence

According to findings from the iOS 18.4 beta code, Apple is reportedly preparing to integrate Google Gemini into Apple Intelligence. Aaron Perris from MacRumors noted that Google is listed alongside OpenAI as a "third-party model" in the backend. 

This suggests that Apple may soon offer users the option to select Google Gemini as their preferred AI service, alongside other models like OpenAI and Perplexity. This potential integration could significantly enhance the AI capabilities of Apple's services, further expanding their options for users seeking AI assistance.