The details
The change was first spotted by SEO consultant Chris Long and reported on August 28. A Google spokesperson said AI Overviews may expand dynamically for topics where its systems judge it most useful, and that its research shows people find this more helpful. Google's Robby Stein added that the expansion does not trigger if the user has already started scrolling. Google describes it as applying to some queries, not as a full rollout.
Our read
This continues a clear direction. Google is moving more searches into an AI answer with follow-up questions, and the space for ordinary listings is shrinking. For local services the map pack still appears for searches with buying intent, which is why we keep treating the Business Profile as the main asset. For informational searches, the practical goal is to be cited. Pages that state the answer plainly, show who wrote them, and are backed by independent mentions are the ones we see quoted.