Some Google search users have recently noticed a new AI Mode button appearing on the service’s homepage. According to posts on social media platforms like X and Threads, the company seems to be testing various placements for this feature, which allows interaction with Google’s AI-powered search.
In some cases, the AI Mode button appears directly within the search bar itself. In other instances, it replaces the long-standing “I’m Feeling Lucky!” button located just beneath the search field. The button’s design also sets it apart from other interface elements. For example, when hovered over, it displays a rotating rainbow frame — a small but noticeable visual cue that hints at its experimental nature.
Earlier this month, Google shared that a “small percentage” of U.S. residents would begin seeing this AI Mode option. This aligns with screenshots posted by users, offering a preview of what the interface might look like once it’s rolled out more broadly. A Google spokesperson, Ashley Thomson, confirmed that the feature is currently only accessible via Google Labs. “We often test different ways for people to access our useful features. This is just one of many experiments,” she said.
What Could This Mean for the Classic Interface?
There has been no official word on whether the AI Mode will permanently replace the “I’m Feeling Lucky!” button. However, even the suggestion has raised concerns among fans of the classic feature. If AI Mode is positioned as a more efficient way to search, it may signal a shift in how Google envisions the future of its interface — one that emphasizes AI-enhanced interactions over traditional tools.
While nothing is confirmed, the changes may suggest that Google is testing user response before committing to a permanent redesign, notes NIX Solutions. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available or if the AI Mode starts rolling out more widely across regions. Until then, users will continue to see varied placements and appearances of the button as part of Google’s ongoing experiments.
Whether this will lead to a significant change or remain one of many tests is still unknown — but it’s clear that Google is steadily exploring ways to integrate AI more directly into the search experience.