Google Search gets its biggest upgrade in 25 years: Here's what's actually changing

Google has overhauled Search at its I/O 2026 keynote, calling it the biggest change to the iconic box since it first appeared more than 25 years ago. The redesign pushes AI deeper into every part of the experience, drops users into interactive results for some queries, and introduces agents that scan the web on your behalf around the clock.

The momentum behind the shift is hard to miss. AI Mode crossed one billion monthly users a year after launch. AI Overviews now reaches 2.5 billion. Google says total queries hit an all-time high last quarter. Powering everything is Gemini 3.5 Flash, the new default model in AI Mode worldwide.

The new search box stretches to fit how you actually type

The redesigned box expands as you write longer, messier, more conversational queries—no more deciding upfront which mode you want. It accepts text, images, files, videos and even open Chrome tabs as inputs. AI-powered suggestions appear as you type, which Google says go further than autocomplete. You can ask a follow-up straight from an AI Overview and slide into an AI Mode conversation without losing context. The new box is rolling out today wherever AI Mode is available.

Information agents will keep watch while you do other things

From this summer, users can spin up "information agents" that run 24/7 in the background. They scan blogs, news, social posts, shopping sites and Google's own real-time finance and sports data. VP of Search Liz Reid offered one example: ask an agent to track market movements in a sector with set parameters. It maps out a monitoring plan, taps the tools it needs, and pings you when conditions are met. Apartment hunting and sneaker drops were other use cases Google flagged. The feature launches first for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Search can now build mini apps and live dashboards on the fly

Powered by Google Antigravity, Search can assemble custom layouts, interactive visuals, tables and simulations in real time. A question about black holes might return a live visual you can probe with follow-ups. For ongoing tasks like a home move or a wedding, Search can code up a mini app or dashboard you keep returning to. Generative UI arrives this summer for everyone, free. The mini app builder rolls out first to AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US.

Personal Intelligence expands to nearly 200 countries with Gmail and Photos hooks

Google is opening up Personal Intelligence in AI Mode to nearly 200 countries across 98 languages, with no subscription needed. You can connect Gmail and Google Photos today, and Calendar support arrives soon. Connections stay opt-in, with Google saying user control sits at the core of the design.