Google I/O 2026: Google Search gets its biggest AI upgrade in 25 years

Google has unveiled a sweeping set of AI upgrades for Search at Google I/O 2026, signalling what the company describes as the next phase of internet search powered by Gemini AI models, intelligent agents, and personalised experiences.

At the centre of the update is the rollout of Gemini 3.5 Flash as the new default model powering AI Mode in Search worldwide. Google says the latest Flash model delivers stronger reasoning, faster performance, and improved agentic coding capabilities compared to previous versions.

Google redesigns Search with AI-first experience

Google says it is introducing the “biggest upgrade” to the Search box in more than 25 years by rebuilding it around AI interactions.

The updated Search interface expands dynamically, allowing users to ask longer and more detailed questions instead of relying on keywords. Google is also adding AI-powered query suggestions that go beyond traditional autocomplete by helping users better frame their questions.

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The company says users will now be able to search using multiple formats, including text, images, videos, files, and even Chrome tabs.

Google is also making Search more conversational. Users can now continue discussions directly from AI Overviews into AI Mode, allowing follow-up questions while maintaining context across the interaction. According to Google, the system will surface increasingly relevant links and supporting articles as conversations become more detailed.

The new Search experience is rolling out globally across desktop and mobile devices in all regions where AI Mode is currently available.

Google introduces AI agents inside Search

Another major announcement from Google I/O 2026 was the introduction of “Search agents”, AI systems designed to continuously monitor information and perform ongoing tasks for users.

Google says these agents can track updates across blogs, news websites, social platforms, shopping feeds, sports data, and financial information in the background and provide synthesised updates when relevant changes occur.

For example, users searching for apartments can specify detailed preferences and let the AI continuously monitor listings. Similarly, sports fans can track sneaker collaborations or product launches linked to their favourite athletes.

Google says information agents will first launch this summer for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

The company is also expanding agentic booking capabilities inside Search. Users will be able to ask Search to find and organise local services or experiences based on detailed criteria, such as booking karaoke rooms, beauty appointments, or pet care services.

For selected services including home repair and beauty businesses, Google says Search will even be able to contact businesses on a user’s behalf in the US.

Search will now build mini apps and coding tools

Google also announced new “agentic coding” capabilities powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash and Google Antigravity technology.

Instead of simply generating text answers, Search will now be capable of creating custom interfaces, interactive visualisations, simulations, tables, and graphs tailored to specific questions.

Google demonstrated how users could generate interactive educational tools for subjects like astrophysics or visual explanations for mechanical systems.

The company says Search will also be able to create personalised dashboards or mini apps for recurring tasks. Examples include fitness trackers, wedding planning dashboards, and moving checklists that update using live maps, reviews, weather information, and other real-time data.

These Antigravity-powered experiences are expected to launch in the coming months for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US.

Google expands personalised AI in Search

Google also announced an expansion of “Personal Intelligence” features inside AI Mode to nearly 200 countries and territories across 98 languages.

Users can securely connect services such as Gmail and Google Photos to Search, with Google Calendar support expected soon. The company says these integrations will help AI provide more personalised responses based on a user’s own context and activity.

Google stressed that users will remain in control of these connections and can choose whether or not to link personal apps to Search.