Google just declared itself a contender in AI design at IO 2026

Google introduced "Pics," a new AI-powered design and image-generation application, at its annual Google I/O event. This app is designed to be accessible to a wide range of users, including teachers and small business owners, simplifying the creation of visual content. Pics allows users to generate various materials, from social media graphics to marketing mock-ups, using simple text prompts without requiring advanced editing skills.

With Pics, Google aims to compete with popular design platforms like Canva and AI-native design tools such as Anthropic's Claude Design. This move highlights the increasing importance of AI-powered design as a key competitive area for businesses relying on visual content.

The app is powered by Nano Banana 2, selected for its precise text rendering, real-world knowledge, and detailed visual output. Critically, Pics integrates an editing layer, powered by Gemini, which makes every element in a generated design fully adjustable. Unlike other AI image generators, Pics allows users to modify specific parts of an image directly, either by writing new prompts or by simply clicking and commenting on the desired change, similar to giving feedback in Google Docs.

Pics will initially be available to a select group of testers at I/O, with a broader rollout planned for Google AI Ultra subscribers during the summer. Its native integration into Google Workspace also facilitates collaborative visual design across different applications.

Once a design is finalized, users can download, copy, print, share, or transfer it for further edits, ensuring a seamless workflow from creation to distribution.