In May 2025, Google unveiled major updates to its AI Mode, marking a transformative step in how people search and interact with information online. Now available to all users in the U.S. via Search Labs, without a waitlist, AI Mode introduces a conversational, more natural search experience. Users can ask multi-step or complex questions and receive AI-generated overviews that synthesise information across the web.
Powered by Google’s advanced Gemini 2 model, the updated AI Mode includes visually rich summaries for topics like restaurants, shopping options, and local services. These summaries include ratings, reviews, and live data such as pricing and availability, offering users a quick and clear view of their options. A new side panel also allows users to revisit past queries and continue their search journey without starting from scratch, streamlining long-term planning or research.
Why It Matters
This evolution in search marks a fundamental shift from keyword matching to conversational understanding. Rather than combing through multiple links, users can now get structured, intelligent answers from a single prompt. This saves time and makes the search experience more accessible, especially for those unfamiliar with how to phrase queries effectively.
For content creators and businesses, this change signals the need to adapt to AI-first indexing and presentation. Search results are increasingly curated and interpreted by AI before reaching the user, which means visibility now depends on how well information aligns with AI models’ understanding, not just traditional SEO tactics.
On a broader level, the new AI Mode reflects the growing trend of AI integration into everyday tools, reshaping how we gather knowledge, make decisions, and interact with the digital world. By embedding AI into its core product—Search—Google is redefining what people expect from the internet itself: not just information, but answers. This raises the bar for competitors and sets the stage for a more intuitive, efficient, and personalised online experience.
images courtesy of Google