A new tab has appeared in the Google Search bar, and it feels more like an AI chatbot than a traditional search engine.
Google began testing AI Mode earlier this year and officially announced its full rollout at the I/O developers conference in May 2025. The feature is now available to all English-speaking users in the U.S. aged 13 and older (and to Workspace and Education users 18+).
To mark the launch, Google showcased an animated promotion on its homepage on July 1, 2025, featuring its updated logo guiding users into an explanation of AI Mode.
Powered by a custom version of the Gemini generative AI model, AI Mode delivers conversational responses and pulls information from multiple sources.
The Evolution of AI in Search
At last year’s I/O conference, Google introduced AI Overviews, which significantly transformed search results and online information discovery. Now, AI Mode takes this further by offering an even deeper, chatbot-like experience directly in the search bar.
“AI Mode is where we will first bring our frontier capabilities into search,” said Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
What Does AI Mode Offer?
AI Mode appears as an additional tab in the standard search bar and integrates new functionality into search results.
Google explains that the feature uses a “query fan-out technique” to better dissect search questions, including the ability to process multiple queries simultaneously. Users can ask detailed questions and receive comprehensive, conversational answers with relevant links.
During I/O 2025, Google also revealed plans to integrate AI Mode with other Google apps, allowing the AI to leverage context from emails or calendars. For example, if you search for restaurants in a city you’re visiting, it may suggest options near your booked accommodations. Users can opt out of this personalization at any time.
A Deep Search function will analyze hundreds of queries and use AI reasoning to generate in-depth, cited responses within minutes.
Additional features include:
- AI-powered shopping—Conversational product recommendations and virtual outfit try-ons.
- Data visualization—Automated graphs for sports and finance queries (launching summer 2025).
How Search Is Changing
The rise of large language models is reshaping how people seek information online. Queries are becoming more conversational—instead of searching “best Father’s Day gifts,” users might ask an AI, “My dad loves Roman history, puzzles, and woodworking. What’s a unique gift idea?”
Elizabeth Reid, Google’s VP of Search, noted that users are asking longer, more complex questions. “This is the future of Google Search—a shift from information to intelligence,” she said.
While AI Overviews first brought generative AI into search results, AI Mode deepens this integration. And for those hoping to avoid AI features, Reid warned: “Over time, we’ll graduate many of AI Mode’s cutting-edge features into the core search experience.”
Is AI Mode the Future of Search?
While AI Mode excels at complex, multi-step queries, it may not replace traditional search for all needs. Eugene Levin, president of Semrush, believes adoption will vary:
“The percentage of users who rely solely on AI Mode will be surprisingly low. For simple facts or known resources, standard search remains faster.”
Levin points out that even frequent ChatGPT users still turn to Google for certain queries, like financial data. “Different questions demand different interfaces—AI isn’t always the best tool.”
