Google Tests Exciting New AI Mode on Search Homepage — Replacing the “I’m Feeling Lucky” Button

In an intriguing move, Google has begun testing a fresh, innovative feature directly on its search homepage: an AI Mode option. This experimental feature, which replaces the iconic "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, is part of the company’s ongoing effort to explore the integration of artificial intelligence into its search ecosystem.

This test is currently being rolled out to a limited group of users in the U.S., specifically those who are part of Google Labs. As with most Google experiments, the company is looking for feedback before deciding whether to make this change permanent.

The Test Feature: A New Look for the Search Bar

The update, though still in the early testing phases, has already generated significant buzz. Instead of the familiar "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, users are now seeing an AI Mode shortcut directly in the search box. This subtle shift could mark a pivotal moment in how users interact with Google’s most essential tool.

A Google spokesperson told The Verge that this is just a test feature for now, and there are no definitive plans yet to roll it out to all users. However, with AI's increasing role in Google's future, this is certainly a change worth paying attention to.

Some testers have noted an additional visual quirk: when they hover over the AI Mode widget, a rotating rainbow border appears, offering a playful and dynamic touch to the interaction. Another option being tested is the addition of an AI Mode shortcut to the search bar without removing the traditional "I'm Feeling Lucky" button. This approach allows users to have both the classic widget and the new AI-driven feature available at their fingertips.

Google’s Push for AI in Search: Why the Move Is Significant

Google has long been a leader in search, but the landscape of digital information retrieval is shifting rapidly. With artificial intelligence becoming an increasingly powerful tool, the company is under mounting pressure to adapt to new user demands and changing technologies. This push towards integrating AI into its search function is part of that broader shift.

Just this past March, Google announced that it would begin testing AI Mode on its results page, not the homepage, but this new experiment on the homepage signals a more aggressive approach. The search giant is clearly eager to incorporate AI in ways that go beyond traditional keyword-based search and deliver a more intuitive, interactive experience for users.

Pressure from Rivals: Google Faces a Growing Challenge

While this experiment may be seen as an exciting innovation, it's happening against a backdrop of rising competition. In fact, last week, Apple executive Eddie Cue made a revelation during his testimony at the ongoing Google antitrust trial that sent shockwaves through the tech world. According to Cue, search traffic for Google had dropped for the first time in the company's history—specifically, in April 2025.

Cue's comments shed light on the growing influence of AI in shaping search behaviors, with alternative search tools (many powered by AI) gaining more traction. The news of Google’s traffic decline had an immediate effect on the company's stock price, signaling to the market just how critical it is for the search giant to adapt to the AI revolution.

In this context, the testing of AI Mode on the homepage could be seen as Google’s response to these pressures. The company is betting big on AI to maintain its dominance in search and to ensure it doesn’t fall behind rivals like Apple, which is increasingly focusing on AI integration in its own services.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Google’s Search?

As the AI Mode test progresses, many are wondering if this shift marks the beginning of a more radical transformation for Google’s search experience. While the feature is still in the experimental phase, there’s no doubt that artificial intelligence will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of digital search.

Will Google ultimately phase out the beloved “I'm Feeling Lucky” button entirely? Only time will tell. For now, users in the U.S. are getting a glimpse into the potential future of search, where AI is at the center of it all.

With AI Mode possibly becoming a cornerstone of Google’s future search landscape, it’s clear that the company’s quest to stay ahead in the race for search dominance is just getting started.