Google announced a major evolution in Search at I/O 2026, integrating advanced AI capabilities to enhance how users interact with information. The update centers around the introduction of Gemini 3.5 Flash as the default AI model in Search’s AI Mode, delivering improved performance for agents and coding tasks globally.
Intelligent AI-Powered Search Box
The Search box has undergone its biggest upgrade in over 25 years, now featuring AI enhancements that allow users to input queries via text, images, files, videos, or Chrome tabs. It dynamically expands to accommodate detailed questions and offers AI-powered suggestions that go beyond traditional autocomplete. This intelligent Search box is rolling out worldwide in all languages where AI Mode is available. Additionally, users can engage in conversational follow-ups with AI Mode, maintaining context and receiving increasingly relevant links and articles.
Search Agents
Google is introducing Search agents—customizable AI assistants that operate 24/7 to monitor and synthesize information tailored to user needs. Information agents scan the web, including blogs, news, social posts, and real-time data on finance, shopping, and sports, providing intelligent updates and actionable notifications. For example, agents can track apartment listings or alert users to new sneaker collaborations. These agents will initially be available to Google AI Pro & Ultra subscribers this summer.
Agentic booking capabilities are expanding to cover local experiences and services, allowing users to specify criteria for bookings (e.g., private karaoke rooms) with direct links to providers. For categories like home repair, beauty, or pet care, Google can even call businesses on users’ behalf. These features will be available to all U.S. users this summer. New agentic shopping features were also announced.
Agentic Coding in Search
Search now incorporates Google Antigravity and Gemini 3.5 Flash to generate custom responses and generative UIs on the fly. Users can receive tailored visual tools, simulations, tables, and graphs to better understand complex topics or visualize concepts. This summer, these generative UI features will be free and accessible to everyone.
For ongoing tasks, Search can build custom dashboards or trackers (mini apps) to help users manage repeated activities, such as planning events or establishing fitness routines. These trackers integrate real-time data like reviews, maps, and weather. Initially, these capabilities will be available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
Expanded Personal Intelligence
Personal Intelligence in AI Mode is expanding to nearly 200 countries and territories across 98 languages without requiring a subscription. Users can securely connect apps like Gmail and Google Photos, with Google Calendar integration coming soon. This feature emphasizes user control, transparency, and choice, allowing users to decide when and if to connect their apps.
Summary
This new chapter in Google Search combines powerful AI with personalized context to deliver a more intuitive, conversational, and actionable search experience. Users can now leverage intelligent agents, advanced coding capabilities, and an AI-powered Search box to explore information in richer, more customized ways than ever before.
