Google is reportedly testing a change to its search interface. According to reports, the Mountain View-based tech giant appears to be reducing the visibility of an “AI mode” for some users within the search interface. Specifically, the dedicated “AI mode” button in the web-based search bar has been removed. However, this is believed to be part of a limited-scale experiment by Google, and the feature may still be accessible to other users.
Removal of the AI mode button in Google Search
Len Raleigh spotted this change and shared his observations on X, noting that Google has removed the shortcuts for both Incognito mode and AI mode in the Chrome browser (Source: Search Engine Roundtable). Raleigh clarified that this appears to be a test, adding that the button remains available on his other computers and in different browsing sessions.
Although Google has not yet officially announced any specific changes, this is believed to be part of the company’s ongoing experiments with its search interface. It is worth noting that Google frequently tests different layouts and features with subsets of its user base to compare engagement levels and usage patterns.
According to reports, this move may be an attempt to see how user behavior changes when the dedicated shortcut for the AI mode is not displayed next to the standard search bar. This test does not necessarily imply that Google intends to remove the feature or its access point. Reports also indicate that this change could not be independently replicated.
There is currently no indication that Google plans to permanently remove the AI mode shortcut.
Notably, Google first introduced an AI mode button to its search interface in May 2025. This button provides a dedicated way for users to experience the company’s AI-powered search capabilities. Users can leverage this feature to ask more complex questions and receive answers that synthesize information from multiple sources. It also supports follow-up questions, allowing users to explore a topic through a conversational interface without needing to submit separate, traditional search queries.
In June 2025, Google expanded the AI mode to India and added support for voice and image inputs. The company continues to refine the user experience through integrations with third-party applications and services.