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Google Is Killing Dynamic Search Ads. AI Max Takes Over in September.

Filip Ivanković··1 min read

Google is retiring Dynamic Search Ads in September 2026, auto-upgrading all DSA campaigns to AI Max for Search with broader intent matching and automated text.

What happened

Google AI Max for Search hit general availability on April 15, with voluntary upgrade tools available now and forced migration starting September.

Why it matters

AI Max replaces manual targeting with AI-driven intent matching and claims 7% more conversions at similar CPA, but advertisers lose granular control.

🇦🇺AU angle

Australian businesses running DSA campaigns need to migrate on their own terms before September or lose control over timing and testing.

Who cares

Google Ads managers, PPC specialists and anyone running Dynamic Search Ads or campaign-level broad match.

Risk

Waiting for the auto-upgrade in September means Google controls the migration, and AI Max can send traffic to pages you did not intend.

Your move

Audit every campaign using DSA or automatically created assets right now

Use the voluntary upgrade tool and test AI Max alongside existing campaigns for 2-4 weeks before cutting over

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Filip Ivanković
Filip IvankovićFounder, New Rebellion

10+ years leading performance marketing across agencies and in-house teams in Australia. Writes about the gap between marketing activity and commercial outcomes, and what it takes to close it.

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