Google has announced one of the biggest upgrades to Search in years during Google I/O 2026.
The company is expanding AI-powered experiences across Search with smarter tools, deeper personalisation, AI agents, and custom interactive experiences.
Gemini 3.5 Flash now powers AI Mode
Google confirmed that Gemini 3.5 Flash is becoming the default model powering AI Mode in Search globally.
The company says the model delivers faster responses and stronger performance for advanced tasks.
Redesigned AI-powered search box
Google introduced a completely redesigned Search box built around AI interactions.
Users can now type longer and more natural queries while also using images, files, videos, and even Chrome tabs as inputs.
Easier follow-up conversations
Search now allows users to continue asking follow-up questions directly from AI-generated results.
Google says the system keeps context between questions to deliver more relevant responses and supporting links.
AI agents monitor the web
Google is introducing information-focused AI agents that continuously monitor the web for updates related to user requests.
These agents can track topics such as apartment listings, shopping drops, finance updates, and sports information.
Search helps with bookings and services
The company is expanding Search’s booking capabilities for experiences and local services.
Users can search for highly specific requirements, while Google gathers availability and pricing information from different providers.
Google contacts businesses for you
For selected categories such as beauty services, home repair, and pet care, Google says users will be able to ask Search to contact businesses on their behalf in the United States.
More interactive search results
Google is adding generative UI experiences powered by AI.
Search will be able to create interactive visuals, simulations, tables, and graphs in real time depending on the question being asked.
Custom AI-powered mini apps
Google also revealed that Search will soon generate personalised dashboards and trackers for recurring tasks such as fitness planning, moving homes, or organising events.
These AI-powered mini apps will arrive first for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US.
What happens to traditional Search results?
Google’s latest AI Search upgrades hint at a gradual shift away from the traditional “10 blue links” experience.
Most of these advanced features are currently tied to AI Mode, while regular Search will continue showing standard web results.
However, with AI-generated summaries, conversational responses, and agents becoming more prominent, users may rely less on manually browsing multiple websites over time.
Google's AI Search upgrades also include the ability for Search to contact businesses on behalf of users in selected categories such as beauty services, home repair, and pet care in the United States.
Additionally, the company is expanding Search's booking capabilities for experiences and local services, allowing users to search for highly specific requirements while Google gathers availability and pricing from different providers.
