Google is apparently testing removing the dedicated AI Mode button from the Search bar. The company is experimenting with a small set of searchers as part of a limited experiment to understand how Search performs when AI Mode is unavailable.
Who Noted the Change First?
The change was first spotted by Len Raleigh, who shared a screenshot on X. He said that AI Mode disappeared from Incognito Mode and Chrome. However, he mentioned that the AI Mode button was still available on other machines and sessions.
Here is the screenshot of Google search bar without AI Mode:
While Google has not officially announced any change, it appears to be part of the company’s experiments with the Search interface. Google tests different layouts and features with limited users first before rolling them out completely.
What is the AI Mode?
Notably, Google introduced AI Mode in May 2025, which provides instant, AI-powered responses and lets users explore follow-up questions and helpful web links. Users can explore information on topics they need through a conversational interface.
What Does This Mean for Marketers and SEO Professionals?
The latest experiment does not mean Google is planning to remove the button permanently. Instead, the company may be examining whether users engage differently with AI Mode when the shortcut isn't visible. SEO professionals and marketers should understand how changes to Google’s Search interface could affect AI search visibility.
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