Google almost missed the deadline for its last core update of the year. The tech giant activated its major update on December 11th, along with a prediction that it would take about three weeks to complete. Had this timeframe been strictly adhered to, we would be bringing you this news on the first day of 2026, but it was ultimately rolled out in 18 days, finishing on December 29th. Through its LinkedIn account, Google explained that this core update is "a regular update designed to better show relevant and satisfying content to users of all types of sites." According to benchmark indicators, such as the Semrush Sensor, the volatility in search results produced by this update has been quite low, with the most unstable period coinciding with the start of the core update. The three core updates of 2025 Google's core updates are significant modifications to the search algorithms and systems that aim to improve the relevance and quality of the results presented to users. In 2025, Google rolled out a total of three major updates (one less than in 2024): - March 2025 Core Update: began on March 13 and ended on March 27. - June-July 2025 Core Update: began on June 30 and ended on July 17. - December Core Update: began on December 11 and ended on December 29. The Core Update is over: what now? With the rollout of the December 2025 Core Update officially complete, we enter a phase of analysis and tense calm. It's crucial to understand that, although these updates often shake up the SEO landscape, Google doesn't offer a specific "to-do list" for recovering lost positions. There's no magic "fix" button; the official recommendation remains the same: prioritize creating useful, relevant, and high-quality content, both technically and in terms of human expertise. The first practical step is to analyze your ranking with real data. Use tools like Google Search Console to break down how your strategic keywords have changed and, above all, identify whether your main traffic sources have been damaged or strengthened. Cross-reference this data with your internal analytics to understand the real impact on your business and…cross your fingers. On the other hand, despite the growing presence of AI Overviews and AI Mode in search results, the general philosophy remains the same: user-friendliness is your best lifeline. If your site offers clear answers and unique value, you'll be in the best position to coexist with artificial intelligence and benefit from new search habits. Finally, remember that 2026 will be another year. While slight recoveries between updates are possible, Google warns that the most significant ranking changes tend to solidify after the next major update. Therefore, if your website has been affected now, the target for a full recovery is the first core update of 2026.