Google has released two core updates and four spam updates so far in 2026. Core updates change how Google ranks pages in general. Spam updates go after pages that break Google’s spam rules. The newest spam update started on September 24, 2026, and Google said it could take up to two weeks to finish.
What Google Released in 2026
These dates come from Google’s Search Status Dashboard:
- March 2026 spam update: started March 24 and ended about March 25.
- March 2026 core update: started March 27 and ended about April 8.
- May 2026 core update: started May 21 and ended about June 2.
- June 2026 spam update: started June 24 and ended about June 26.
- August 2026 spam update: started August 18 and ended about August 21.
- September 2026 spam update: started September 24 and was still rolling out when we wrote this.
What This Means for a Local Business
Google called the May core update a regular update meant to show more relevant and satisfying content. A core update is not a penalty. Your rankings can go up or down because other pages got better or worse. Spam updates are different, because they target pages that break Google’s spam rules.
Google did not say which spam tricks the September update targets. That is normal, since Google rarely gives a full list. The safest plan is to keep your site honest and useful for real customers.
A Short Checklist
Try these steps in order:
- Open Search Console and compare your clicks for two weeks before and after each update date. Our Google Analytics guide can help you read your numbers.
- Look for thin or copied pages, like many town pages that say the same thing with a new town name.
- Make your key pages more useful with real photos, real details, and answers to real customer questions.
- Remove tricks like hidden text or paid links. Read how to create quality SEO content for a better path.
- Wait until an update finishes before you make big changes, so you can see what really happened.
Conclusion
Google changes its rankings many times a year, and 2026 has been busy. Know the dates, watch your Search Console numbers, and keep your pages helpful and honest. We watch these dates for our clients at JPG Designs. If your traffic dropped and you want a second set of eyes, contact us.
