Google is experimenting with a significant change to its iconic Search homepage by replacing the long-standing “I’m Feeling Lucky” button with a new option called “AI Mode.” This new feature is part of Google’s broader push into AI-powered search tools and began rolling out earlier in May within the company’s experimental Labs environment.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the test to The Verge, the first outlet to report the update. However, the company emphasized that this redesign is still in testing and may not be released to the general public.
The move signals a possible shift in how users interact with Google Search. While “I’m Feeling Lucky” has been a staple of the homepage for decades, often serving as a lighthearted shortcut to the top search result, “AI Mode” appears to reflect a more modern, AI-enhanced approach. Though specific details about how “AI Mode” functions have not been revealed, it is expected to offer AI-generated summaries or conversational-style results, aligning with the direction of recent search innovations.
This test is being launched just days before Google I/O, the company’s annual developer conference, where major AI announcements are expected. Analysts believe that Google may use the event to showcase enhanced AI tools that improve how search results are generated and displayed.
The timing also follows a notable revelation during a recent court testimony. An Apple executive stated that Google Searches through Safari dropped last month for the first time, linking the decline to the growing popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT. This shift may be prompting Google to rethink and modernize its core product to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Although changes to Google’s homepage are rare, the potential replacement of a classic feature with an AI-focused alternative underscores the company’s increasing focus on artificial intelligence.
