Google AI Mode Expands to All US Users with New Features

Google AI Mode Now Available to All US Users

Google's AI-powered search experience, AI Mode, has dropped its waitlist and is now accessible to all US users aged 18 and older enrolled in Google Labs. This expanded rollout brings several new features to enhance search functionality.

Enhanced Visuals and Shopping Integration

AI Mode now includes visual cards for local businesses and products. For local searches, these cards display ratings, reviews, hours, busyness information, and quick action buttons for calling or directions. Product cards showcase prices, deals, images, shipping details, and local store availability. This leverages Google's extensive Shopping Graph with over 45 billion product listings.

Google reports positive user feedback, with millions already using AI Mode in Labs to explore new search methods, ask complex questions, and discover new websites and businesses.

Streamlined Research with Search History Panel

A new history panel on the left side of the desktop interface saves past AI Mode searches. This feature allows users to revisit previous topics, continue research, ask follow-up questions, and easily take next steps based on prior findings.

Wider Testing on the Horizon

Google plans to test AI Mode beyond the Labs environment with a small percentage of US users in the coming weeks, signaling a cautious move towards broader integration.

How AI Mode Works

AI Mode uses "query fan-out" technology to run multiple searches simultaneously across diverse topics and sources. It then combines this information into a comprehensive answer with source links. The system also integrates image search capabilities, allowing users to upload images and ask questions about them using a combination of Google Lens and Gemini's reasoning abilities.

AI Investment and Financial Impact

This expansion follows Google's strong Q1 2025 financial results, with Search revenue increasing 10% to $50.7 billion. This suggests that AI is benefiting, not hindering, their core business. Google's planned $75 billion investment in capital improvements for 2025 includes infrastructure to support its AI features.

Implications for Digital Marketers

Adapting to the Evolving Search Landscape

These updates highlight key trends for SEO and marketing professionals:

• Visual Content: The increasing importance of visual content as Google enhances its image understanding and display in search results.
• Local SEO: The continued importance of local SEO, with business details prominently featured in AI Mode responses.
• Product Data: The need for accurate and complete product data feeds, given AI Mode's reliance on the Google Shopping Graph.
• Long-Form Content: The potential increased value of long-form content addressing complex questions, as AI Mode handles longer, more nuanced queries effectively.
• Continued AI Investment: Google's success with AI search and subsequent revenue growth suggests continued expansion of these features.

Accessing AI Mode

To access AI Mode, users must be in the United States, at least 18 years old, using the latest Google app or Chrome browser, and have search history enabled. Access is available through google.com/aimode, the Google.com homepage (tap AI Mode below the search bar), or the Google app.