Google Search Bar Results Page Testing AI Mode Button

Google is testing an AI Mode button inside the search bar on the search results page, expanding the button's placement beyond the home page and other surfaces, according to Search Engine Roundtable. The test was first spotted by Dwayne Cubbins on X, who wrote, "Is Google trying to force people to use AI Mode when making a follow-up search from the results page?" The button does not appear for all queries or search suggestions, and normal search still worked in the outlet's own testing.

Google is now testing adding the AI Mode button to the search bar when you are inside the search results page. Google has the AI Mode button almost everywhere else https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ai-mode-button-search-app-39899.html , but now we are seeing it added to the search bar, within the search results page, not just the home page https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ai-mode-button-home-search-box-39788.html . I spotted this earlier this week from Dwayne Cubbins on X https://x.com/DCubbins/status/2099754219062644997 but I was not able to replicate this until yesterday. Here is what it looks like: This is what it normally looks like: It does not always show up, even if you are able to trigger it for some queries, it doesn't show up for all search suggestions. That being said, Dwayne Cubbins wrote, "Is Google trying to force people to use AI Mode when making a follow-up search from the results page? Am I tripping? I swear there used to be a normal search button here too." But when I tested it, I was able to manage to search normally, even with the AI Mode button. Maybe there are numerous test options on how this works... Is Google trying to force people to use AI Mode when making a follow-up search from the results page? Am I tripping? I swear there used to be a normal search button here too. Now I have to hit Enter to continue with the regular search. @rustybrick https://x.com/rustybrick?ref src=twsrc%5Etfw pic.twitter.com/K8nOyFTtsk https://t.co/K8nOyFTtsk September 15, 2026 https://x.com/DCubbins/status/2099754219062644997?ref src=twsrc%5Etfw Forum discussion at X https://x.com/DCubbins/status/2099754219062644997 .