Until now, Google Search’s AI experience largely stayed separate from advertisements. However, that system will now change. At its I/O 2026 event, Google announced new smart ads for Search and AI Mode. The company will use Gemini AI to power these ad formats.
Google says Search has become more conversational and intelligent. Therefore, ads will also appear in that same style. The company wants users to get more useful and personalised answers.
Conversational Ads Enter AI Mode
Google says nearly 75 percent of AI Mode users make faster and more confident decisions. Because of this, the company is testing two Gemini-based ad formats. These ads will not show only normal sponsored links.
Instead, they will give AI-generated answers based on user questions. For example, someone may ask about making a home smell like a luxury spa. Then, Gemini will prepare a relevant answer. It will also suggest related products or services.
Highlighted Answers Will Show Sponsored Picks
Google will also add sponsored recommendations inside AI Mode answers. When Google gives several suggestions for a query, some sponsored picks may appear there. The company calls these ads Highlighted Answers.
Google says it will clearly mark these ads with Sponsored labels. As a result, users can easily identify paid content. This label will help separate ads from regular AI answers.
Normal Search Will Also Get AI Ads
Google does not want to keep these ads limited to AI Mode. In the coming months, the company plans to bring AI-based ads into normal Google Search. This move can change how users see sponsored results during everyday searches.
Shopping Ads Become Smarter
Shopping Ads will also become more intelligent through Gemini. If users search expensive products, Gemini will show options and explain them. These products may include TVs, refrigerators, or coffee machines.
For example, someone may search for an espresso machine. In that case, AI will not only display models. It will also explain key features in simple language. This can help users make better purchase decisions.
Business Agent Will Answer Leads
Google Search will also get a new feature called Business Agent for Leads. This feature will work like an AI chat agent. For example, a student searching for university details can ask questions directly inside Search.
The AI agent will then give instant answers. This tool can help companies and institutions reach potential customers or students faster. Therefore, Search may become more interactive for businesses too.
Search Box And AI Mode Get Upgrades
Google also announced several major Search changes at I/O 2026. The company will add Gemini 3.5 Flash model into AI Mode. This upgrade aims to make Search faster and smarter.
Google will also improve the new Search Box. It will understand longer queries more effectively. Moreover, the box will expand automatically to support detailed questions.
Search Goes Beyond Text
Users will not need to depend only on text searches. Google will allow searches through images, videos, documents, and even Chrome tabs. This can make Search more flexible across formats.
Google also said Antigravity 2.0 technology will help Search create visuals. It can prepare diagrams and dashboards in response to questions. This feature may make complex answers easier to understand.
Autonomous Agent Will Track Updates
Google is also adding an Autonomous Monitoring Agent to Search. This agent will continuously track blogs, news websites, finance data, and sports updates. Its main goal will be giving users fresh updates around the clock.
