Google just rolled out the biggest change to its Search box in over 25 years at I/O 2026. The old text field is being replaced with a new AI-first Search box that is powered by Gemini 3.5 Flash under G. It's Google's new powerful model and the company is making it the default in AI Mode for everyone globally.
New Google Search Box Expands as You Type
Instead of cramming your thoughts into a thin search bar, the new 'Intelligent Search Box' expands as you type, so you have actual room to explain in detail. It also tries to anticipate your intent and throws up smart suggestions which are more useful than the traditional autocomplete queries.
And you can go beyond text and feed images, files, videos or even your open Chrome tabs and ask from there. Note that regular search results still show up like before, so 10 blue links are not going away. On top of that, you can ask a follow-up question straight from AI Overview and move to AI Mode without losing your earlier context. The new Intelligent Search Box is going live today wherever AI Mode is available.
Information Agents and Agentic Coding Are Coming to Search
Google is bringing something called Search agents. It's starting with information agents that run in the background 24/7 and scan the web along with live data like finance, sports and shopping for changes related to your query.
For example, if you are looking for a flat, you can list your exact requirements and the agent keeps checking and alerts you when a listing matches. Information agents arrive first for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers this summer.
Image Credit: Google
Image Credit: Google
Image Credit: Google
Image Credit: Google
Google is also adding Antigravity and Gemini 3.5 Flash's coding prowess to Search. Search can now generate a response in a format that is suitable for the question. For instance, it can generate interactive visuals, tables, graphs or simulations on the spot. These generative UI capabilities will be free for everyone in Search this summer.
For longer tasks like planning a wedding, Search can build a dashboard or tracker. Basically, you can create a small app for that specific task. These features are going to roll out in the coming months, starting with Google AI Pro and Ultra users in the US.
Meanwhile, Google has confirmed at the I/O 2026 event that SynthID and C2PA verification are coming to Search as well. The tech giant has also revealed an Android Halo feature that will essentially work as a status indicator to let you know when an AI agent is working in the background. This will bring along solid transparency, which is much-needed, considering how much more AI is getting injected into our devices.
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