Google I/O 2026: Even more AI is coming to Google Search

According to Google, AI Mode in Google Search has now surpassed 1 billion monthly users. And, of course, AI Overviews are now ubiquitous at the top of every Google search results page.

At Google I/O 2026 today, Google shared some new updates coming to Google Search — and surprise! — even more AI features are coming to the search giant's search product.

Google Search AI upgrades

First up, Google is upgrading its AI Mode in Google Search to the brand-new Gemini 3.5 Flash, which was also just announced at I/O.

Google is upgrading the search box with AI, too. The new AI Search Box with Intelligent Search is the first update to Google's search box in more than 25 years. 

When typing a search query, the search box will now expand, offering users more space to use natural language to ask Google their questions. The new AI Search Box will also allow users to upload images, videos, files, and Chrome tabs alongside their query for reference.

AI Overviews is also getting an upgrade as well. Users will be able to ask a follow-up question in AI Mode about the information AI Overviews display at the top of a search results page. The feature will allow back-and-forth conversation, much like an AI chatbot, so users can dive deeper into the topic based on the information AI Overviews provide.

Search agents

Another big search-related announcement at Google I/O 2026: AI Search agents are coming to Google Search.

According to Google, users will be able to provide a Search agent with all the relevant details for a query. The Search agent will then scan 24/7 for sources, like news websites, blogs, and social media, to find the most relevant and up-to-date information.

Google provided examples of when a user would utilize Search agents. If a user is apartment hunting, they can input all their housing requirements with a search agent, which will scan around-the-clock for new apartment listings that match those parameters. 

These information agents will be available for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the summer.

Agentic AI capabilities are also being upgraded for shopping and booking experiences and services in Search. Users will be able to see the latest prices, availabilities, and direct booking links after providing agents with what they're looking for.

In addition, AI agents will be able to call specific businesses for certain services. These agentic capabilities will be available for all users this summer.

Even more AI features announced

Speaking of AI features for all users, Google says it's expanding Personal Intelligence in Search to even more users, no subscription required.

With Personal Intelligence, users can connect their apps, such as Gmail and Google Photos, so that Google's AI in search can understand search query context using their personal information. Google says the ability to connect Google Calendar to Personal Intelligence is coming soon, and users will continue to have full control over the feature and the data that is used.

Additionally, Google is bringing AI coding tools, powered by Google Antigravity, directly into Google Search. It appears that Google is looking to pull non-developers into the mix, offering use cases such as building a custom fitness tracker or a custom dashboard to plan a wedding.

Looking for more Google I/O announcements? Follow the Mashable Google I/O live blog to see all of the latest news on Gemini, Chrome, and Android.