Google has announced a new update to the Chrome app aimed at making its AI Mode easier to find and use. AI Mode, a conversational experience built into Google Search, allows users to discuss topics at greater depth than traditional keyword searches.
The update introduces an AI Mode button directly beneath the Google Search bar—right next to the Incognito icon—on new tabs in Chrome for iPhone and Android. Initially, this shortcut will be available only to users in the United States. Google plans to expand it to over 160 countries in the coming months, adding language support for Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese.
How the AI Mode Shortcut Works
While the interface change is small, the shortcut plays a major role. It makes the optional AI Mode easier to discover and launch, unlike Google’s AI Overviews, which automatically appear in some search results. To use AI Mode, users must tap the new button and can then chat with Google Search in a similar way to interacting with Gemini or ChatGPT.
Since AI Mode is not a standalone app, this shortcut helps users integrate AI-powered conversations seamlessly into their browsing experience. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is currently limited to the Chrome app, so those using other browsers on mobile devices won’t see the update yet.
What AI Mode Can Do
AI Mode first debuted in March for Search Labs users, with a broader rollout following the I/O 2025 conference in May. Since then, Google has steadily expanded its capabilities and reach. Key updates include:
- Integration of the Gemini 2.5 Pro model
- A “deep research” feature for more complex queries
- Agentic functions such as restaurant reservations (added in August)
- Support for additional languages and integration into Chrome’s desktop omnibox
- Visual search options (introduced in September)
- New agentic tools for booking tickets and managing beauty or wellness appointments
Why It Matters
AI Mode represents Google’s ongoing effort to blend traditional search with modern conversational AI. It gives users the flexibility to switch between a standard keyword-based search and an interactive chatbot experience on the fly. For those accustomed to platforms like ChatGPT or Gemini, AI Mode offers comparable functionality within the familiar Google Search ecosystem—no extra app required.
As Google continues expanding AI Mode globally, the new Chrome shortcut could significantly boost adoption by making conversational search more accessible to everyday users.
