Google Search Goes All-In on Agentic AI by 2026
Google has announced that its search product will fully embrace agentic AI by 2026, with AI Mode usage doubling every quarter and reaching over 1 billion monthly users. The shift, declared by search VP Liz Reid at I/O 2026, positions AI as the core of Google Search, despite widespread criticism. AI Mode invites conversational interactions, generating more searches per user, and is freely available to all users. Google's dominance ensures it can drive this transformation regardless of objections.
Key facts
- Google's search VP Liz Reid stated 'Google search is AI search' at I/O 2026.
- AI Mode usage has doubled every quarter since its launch.
- Over 1 billion people use AI Mode monthly.
- AI Mode is free and available to all Google search users.
- Google has aggressively promoted AI Mode with prominent links and nudges.
- The shift to AI search began at I/O 2025 with the testing of AI Mode.
- Each follow-up query in AI Mode counts as a separate search.
- Google's size and influence allow it to pursue this path despite criticism.
Entities
Institutions
- Ars Technica