Google is experimenting with a change to its Search interface that could alter how users access its artificial intelligence features. According to reports, the company is testing the removal of the dedicated AI Mode shortcut from the search bar for a limited group of users.

The change has attracted attention because AI Mode has become an important part of Google's search experience. However, users should not assume that the feature is being discontinued. The test appears to be limited, and the AI Mode button remains visible for many users.

AI Mode Button Disappears for Some Chrome Users

The change was highlighted by Len Raleigh in a post on X. He reported that Google had removed shortcuts for AI Mode and Incognito browsing from the Chrome search bar.

Search Engine Roundtable also reported the development.

Interestingly, the change was not consistent across all devices and browsing sessions. Raleigh noted that the AI Mode shortcut was still available on another computer and in different sessions.

This suggests that Google may be conducting a limited interface experiment rather than introducing a permanent change.

Technology companies frequently test different layouts and features to understand how users interact with their products. Google has not yet provided an official explanation for this particular experiment.

Is Google Planning to Remove AI Mode Permanently?

At present, there is no confirmation that Google intends to remove AI Mode from Search.

The company may be evaluating whether users continue to access the feature when its dedicated shortcut is no longer displayed prominently.

Removing a button from the search bar does not necessarily mean that the underlying feature is being discontinued. Google could retain AI Mode while experimenting with different ways of making it accessible.

For now, the change should be treated as a limited test. Users who can still see the AI Mode button can continue using it as usual.

What Is Google AI Mode?

Google introduced AI Mode in May 2025 as an AI-powered search experience.

Unlike traditional search, where users generally enter keywords and browse individual websites, AI Mode allows them to ask detailed questions in a conversational format.

It generates responses using information from multiple sources and allows users to ask follow-up questions without starting a completely new search.

For example, users can ask a broad question, explore the response and then request additional details about a particular topic.

Google expanded AI Mode to India in June 2025, bringing features such as voice-based and image-based queries to users.

The company has also continued developing the feature through integrations with third-party applications and services.

How Is AI Mode Different From Traditional Google Search?

Traditional Google Search primarily displays a list of relevant websites, images, videos and other results based on a user's query.

AI Mode takes a more conversational approach. It attempts to understand the context of a question, generate a combined response and help users explore related topics through follow-up queries.

Some key differences include:

• Conversational searches: Users can ask detailed questions in natural language.

• Follow-up questions: They can continue exploring a topic within the same conversation.

• Multiple information sources: AI-generated responses draw on information from different sources.

• Voice and image queries: Users can interact with Search through more than just typed questions.

What Does This Change Mean for Google Users?

The removal of the AI Mode shortcut for selected users does not currently indicate that Google is abandoning its AI-powered search experience.

Instead, the experiment could be part of the company's efforts to understand how people use different search features and which interface makes navigation easier.

AI Mode remains an important part of Google's evolving search strategy. Whether the company eventually changes the placement of its shortcut for everyone will become clearer as testing progresses.

For now, users do not need to worry about losing access to AI Mode simply because its button is missing from the Chrome search bar.