Google I/O 2026: See what's new for Google Search

As with every year, Google Search also received new features during the company's annual conference, which will be investing even more in the AI ​​mode that uses Gemini to provide more complete answers and also allowing better visualization of the typed text, representing the biggest update in 25 years. In addition to debuting a new language model, it will also be easier to see examples of complex processes directly on the search screen. See the new features:

Updated AI Mode and AI Overview

Starting with AI Mode, available in Brazil since September 2025, it has already received the new language model. Gemini 3.5 FlashThe company says that the new system is significantly faster, better at processing agent tasks, offers enhanced agent coding capabilities, and is also more secure, being less prone to generating harmful content and less likely to mistakenly flag safe queries as unsafe.

The company also announced that the Google Search bar will now be expanded in AI Mode so that users can type even more specific requests. This is the first major design change in the company's last 25 years, and it was justified as a way to meet the growing need for more space to converse with AI on a wide variety of topics.

Furthermore, the search bar will be able to predict text as you type, avoiding the need to type an entire long command. It will also be possible to send images, videos, attachments, and even Google Chrome tabs when switching to AI mode, so that the answers become increasingly complete. The new search box will be available to all users starting today.

The AI ​​Overview, which creates AI summaries based on websites when more specific searches are performed, has also gained new features. Now, when you need more information on the subject, simply click the button. Show more So that switching to AI Mode can be done in the traditional way, allowing for a more thorough search. The new feature has been in testing for the past few weeks and is now available to all users.

This is the next chapter of Google Search: an intelligent AI that puts the world's information at your disposal to work for you. So ask anything you want, because now Search can do even more for you.

Elizabeth Reid, Head of Search at Google

Autonomous agents

Thinking about long-term use, it will be possible to create autonomous agents that are on call to monitor specific topics, such as finances, sports, and any other subjects you need real-time updates on. The idea is to have digital assistants that monitor news sites, shopping sites, social networks, and other channels for updates on whatever the user requests.

In the press release, Google stated that updates will be sent via smartphone notifications. One example was the search for a new place to live: after the user types in that they need updates on a specific area of ​​the city, how many bedrooms, and how much they want to pay, autonomous AI agents will do the work seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Available “in the coming months” of 2026, the autonomous agent feature should only be released to subscribers of the plans. AI Pro and AI Ultra, which in Brazil cost from R$ 96,99 per month.

Responses with interactive animations

Many people create animations to understand complex problems, and this is also reaching Google search. By opening AI Mode and requesting an animated explanation of how a black hole works, for example, everything will be shown without needing to go to another window, making it possible to see... interactive visuals, tables, charts and simulations.

If you need to make changes to add more items or recreate an animation, simply type a new text command and wait for it to be done in the background. Generative interface features will be available to all users soon, later this year, but without a specific date.

Shareable mini-apps

This is one of the most interesting new features presented at Google I/O 2026. When searching for specific activities in Search, subscribers of Google AI Pro and Ultra in the United States They can request that mini-applications be created with all the information for easy viewing, and this can also be sent to other people via a link.

The idea, which uses Antigravity, a programming language model for creating AI agents, can be completely customized by the user. Imagine you want to be reminded to go for morning runs every week, want to know weather information, or want to plan a weekend with your family.

Simply type in the commands and, upon receiving the information, the panels will be easily visible on both your PC and smartphone, and can also be edited at any time.

Universal Cart: the shopping assistant

Announced as an evolution of Google Shopping, Universal Cart arrives as an AI that can find discounts and allows the purchase of various items seen on the platform. Google search, Gemini:, YouTube e gmailScheduled for release in the US between July and September. See more details on the subject at [link/reference]. our special article.

Ask Maps

Launched in March of this year, Ask Maps brings Gemini to the app. The idea is to be able to answer questions about routes in a natural way, just like we use Gemini on the web or in the app.

In addition to answering questions, Ask Maps will be able to create 3D animations and show data on alternative routes so that the user can make the best decision to get where they want to go. Initially available in the US for compatible iOS and Android devices, CarPlay, Android Auto, and cars with Google integrated.

Ask YouTube

O Ask YouTube This is enough to make research more natural, closer to what we see in... AI mode da Google search. First available to subscribers of YouTube Premium Still in testing, the idea is that users will be able to search for and receive video summaries, in the same way we use Gemini.

The idea behind the feature is to allow users to know if a video can answer their question before watching it. The new feature is expected to be released to more people between July and September of this year in the US, with no date yet set for its arrival in Brazil or for users with free accounts.

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Among the new features of Google searchWhich one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments! Comment!

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With some info: Google Blog l The Verge l CNN