Google is significantly expanding access to its AI Mode in Search after a successful trial run earlier this year. Initially available to a limited set of users, the feature is now open to all users in the U.S. via Search Labs—no waitlist required. In the coming weeks, a dedicated “AI Mode” tab will also start appearing in the Google app for select users, offering a more prominent and seamless entry point into AI-powered search.
This move reflects Google’s growing emphasis on integrating generative AI into everyday search experiences, aiming to make information discovery more intelligent, visual, and conversational.
What is AI Mode in Google Search?
First introduced in March, AI Mode is built to handle more nuanced and layered queries that go beyond what traditional search results can answer. Using advanced reasoning and multimodal processing, AI Mode can interpret text, images, and context to deliver comprehensive and structured responses. It enhances the AI Overview feature by allowing follow-up questions, enabling users to dig deeper into topics or continue ongoing search conversations.
This smarter, thread-based approach mirrors how people naturally explore topics—step by step, with evolving questions.
New Features in AI Mode
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Visual Cards: Instead of the usual list of blue links, users now see AI-generated visual cards tailored to their search. These cards combine insights from various sources to present useful details at a glance. For example, searching for nearby salons might show cards with ratings, photos, contact information, and available services. Product searches can surface shoppable cards with up-to-date pricing, deals, images, shipping options, and local stock availability.
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AI History Panel: Another useful addition is the new history panel, which appears on the left side of the screen. This lets users revisit previous searches, continue earlier threads, and build on past queries. It’s especially handy for long-term research or multi-step tasks where information gathering evolves over time.
With these updates, Google is positioning Search not just as a tool for finding answers, but as a smart assistant that understands context, follows conversations, and provides richer, more interactive results.
As Google continues to embed its Gemini AI across its product ecosystem, AI Mode in Search represents a key step toward redefining how users interact with the web.
