Google has begun testing a new search engine interface with an AI Mode button — the company is likely preparing a full-fledged implementation of a chatbot into the main search. In this experiment, the AI mode even replaced the iconic «I’m feeling lucky» button.
Google has begun testing a new search engine interface with an AI Mode button — the company is likely preparing a full-fledged implementation of a chatbot into the main search. In this experiment, the AI mode even replaced the iconic «I’m feeling lucky» button.
As The Verge reports, some users in the US have started noticing the new AI Mode button in various parts of the Google Search interface. In some cases, it appears next to the image search button, in others, it completely replaces the «I’m Feeling Lucky» button below the main input field.
The button also changes externally — for example, a rotating rainbow ring turns on when you hover the cursor. In some tests, the rainbow animation is active by default, which visually distinguishes AI Mode from other elements of the search page.
Google has officially confirmed the testing: according to company spokeswoman Ashley Thompson, the new mode is available to a limited number of users in the US within the experimental Google Labs environment. «We often test different ways to access our useful features. This is just one of many experiments,» she commented.
I see this… AI Mode button next to Google Search. pic.twitter.com/zacHHA5AwH
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) May 10, 2025
It’s not yet known whether AI Mode will replace the «I’m Feeling Lucky» button entirely. However, the very fact of such an experiment may cause outrage among fans of this niche but iconic feature. «I’m Feeling Lucky» leads directly to the first search result and has been a part of Google since its launch.
Google is actively integrating AI into all of its products. In 2023, the company introduced Search Generative Experience (SGE), an experimental search interface that generates chatbot-style summary results. The launch of AI Mode in main search could be the next step in a large-scale transition from classic search to an AI assistant.
Given the competition from ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI-powered search platforms, Google is trying to keep up. If AI Mode gets a mass release, it will change the paradigm of using search — from finding links to getting answers directly in a dialogue with AI.
It is also worth recalling that Google recently changed its logo icon for the first time in 10 years.
