Google deployed what it calls "the biggest upgrade to our Search box in 25 years" at its I/O 2026 developer conference, rolling out an AI-powered interface globally in all languages where AI Mode is available.

The new Search box runs on Gemini 3.5 Flash by default and accepts multimodal inputs including text, images, files, videos and Chrome tabs. Google said the interface anticipates user intent and offers suggestions "that go beyond autocomplete" to help users formulate better questions.

Users can now ask follow-up questions directly in AI Overviews and transition into AI Mode for deeper searches. Google said the deeper users dig, the more relevant the links and supporting information become.

Multimodal search expansion

The company positioned the changes as part of a broader push toward generative UI across its products. Desktop and mobile users worldwide can now access the enhanced search capabilities immediately.

Google has not clarified whether the changes will affect existing workarounds that many users employ to avoid AI Overviews in search results. The company's increasing emphasis on AI-first search may drive more users toward alternative search engines that offer AI-free web searches.

The Search box overhaul represents Google's most significant interface change since the company's founding, marking a shift from traditional keyword-based queries to conversational, multimodal interactions.

Google I/O 2026 also featured announcements across Android, Workspace applications, and other AI-powered features. The company emphasized Gemini integration across its product ecosystem, with the 3.5 Flash model serving as the foundation for the new search experience.

The rollout begins immediately for users in supported regions, with Google promising continued expansion of AI Mode availability in additional languages and countries throughout 2026.