Where Are The More Google Core Updates, More Often

06/26/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Google’s Unfulfilled Promise: More Core Updates in 2025

Despite Google’s announcement to deliver more frequent core updates, only one confirmed update occurred in 2025. Many publishers remain affected by previous helpful content updates without visible recovery. The expected increase in core updates to support independent creators has yet to materialize, causing concern in the SEO community. Overall, the promise of “more core updates, more often” remains unfulfilled.

Optimixed’s Overview: Assessing the Delay in Google’s Core Algorithm Updates and Its Impact on Publishers

Background on Google’s Core Updates

Google had previously indicated that its search algorithm would receive more core updates, more often starting in 2025, aiming to improve search quality and support independent content creators. Historically, core updates were less frequent, typically occurring once a year around the beginning.

Current Situation and Community Response

  • Only one confirmed core update — the March 2025 core update — has been released so far this year.
  • There have been several unconfirmed updates, but none officially acknowledged by Google.
  • SEO experts and publishers express frustration over the delay, noting it’s been over 100 days without a new core update despite prior promises.

Impact on Publishers and Recovery Challenges

The integration of the helpful content update (HCU) into the core algorithm has left many sites struggling to recover from penalties or ranking drops experienced since September 2023. Some publishers remain blocked from advanced features and ranking improvements due to these updates.

There is skepticism about whether future core updates will effectively help these sites regain traffic, especially given the ongoing issue of ranking decoupling, where high rankings do not necessarily translate into user visits.

Conclusion

While Google’s commitment to more frequent core updates aimed to enhance search results and assist creators, the delayed rollout in 2025 raises concerns about transparency and support for affected webmasters. The SEO community continues to monitor the situation, urging Google for clarity and timely updates.