Google Unveils AI-Powered Overhaul of Search at I/O 2026

Google launched a dynamically expanding search box that accepts text, images, video, files, and Chrome tabs. It runs on Gemini 3.5 Flash, which Google says is faster and handles multimodal inputs. AI-driven suggestions “go beyond autocomplete,” and the feature rolled out globally on desktop and mobile at I/O.

PCMagMakeUseOfGoogle is Making a Major Change to Its Search BoxZDNetGoogle's AI Mode just got a lot smarter, and the search box is changing tooGoogle Search is turning into an AI assistant—and it doesn’t want you to leaveEngadgetYnetNews

AI Mode, added in 2025, lets users continue a conversation after an AI Overview. Over 2.5 billion users see AI Overviews and AI Mode exceeds one billion monthly users, with queries doubling each quarter. Liz Reid (VP of Search), Robby Stein (VP of product) and CEO Sundar Pichai presented the Gemini 3.5 Flash upgrade, replacing Gemini 2.5/3.1 Pro for AI Mode worldwide.

ZDNet

Google calls the change “the biggest upgrade to our iconic search box in over 25 years,” adding it “eliminates friction between AI Overviews and AI Mode.” It announced “information agents” for user-specified monitoring (initially for AI Pro/Ultra) and agentic coding that creates visual explanations and mini-apps. Personal Intelligence expands to nearly 200 countries and 98 languages, with optional Gmail, Photos, and Calendar integration.

ZDNet

TechRadar noted no clear opt-out, raising privacy concerns. Gizmodo and Aftermath warned AI answers could cut publisher traffic and ad revenue. Business Insider flagged uncertainty for brands facing reduced organic traffic as AI results dominate.

Gizmodo

Some outlets say users can still select a “Web” tab for classic links; others suggest the option may be limited. Rollout eligibility varies: some claim information agents are free for all users this summer, others restrict them to AI Pro/Ultra subscribers. Timelines for “mini-apps” and generative UI are described as “coming months” or “summer” in different reports.

TechCrunch

• “We really work to make that much more seamless and simplified, so that for most users, they don’t have to think about where to go, they can just go to the search box they’re familiar with and it feels like they get the best experience afterwards,” — Liz Reid, VP of Search

Google Unveils An Even Worse Search

• “Robby Stein, Google’s vice president of product for Search, told The Verge you’ll “reliably” see AI Overviews if you ask a natural-language question.” — Robby Stein, VP of Product for Search

The Verge

• “Part of the reason we focus on delivering frontier models — highly capable, but also very efficient, fast, and at a lower price — is because we want to bring it to as many people as possible, and so I think that’s an area where we will shine,” — Sundar Pichai, CEO

TechCrunch

• “Your agent will intelligently look across everything on the web, including blogs, news sites, social posts, and the freshest data, such as real-time information on finance, shopping, and sports, to monitor for changes related to your specific question.” — Liz Reid, VP of Search

Google Search is turning into an AI assistant—and it doesn’t want you to leave

Google will roll out agentic coding, mini-apps, and expanded booking features throughout summer 2026, while Personal Intelligence expands to more regions and languages. Future updates aim to keep AI central to Search while retaining optional classic link results.

Google's AI Mode just got a lot smarter, and the search box is changing too