At Google I/O 2026, Google announces what it calls the biggest change to its Search box in about 25 years. Multiple outlets report that Search is being rebuilt around AI, with “AI Mode” and conversational capabilities integrated more deeply into the search experience. Reporting across sources says AI Mode is powered globally by Gemini 3.5 Flash and that Google is consolidating elements of its AI products within Search. New or expanded features described include follow-up conversations within search, faster and cheaper use of the Gemini model, and the ability for users to share content such as photos, files, and video. Several outlets also describe AI agents embedded in Search that can take actions on the user’s behalf, including tasks such as monitoring information online or helping with activities like finding options (e.g., apartments) and generating interactive pages. Other coverage highlights additional UI components such as redesigned search inputs and “mini apps” or agent-driven information cards. User adoption figures are cited in some reports, including claims that AI Overviews reach billions of monthly users and that AI Mode exceeds one billion monthly users. Overall, sources present the change as a shift from traditional querying toward AI-assisted, agent-influenced results.