A new AI Mode shortcut is widely rolling out within the Google Android app and its widget for users globally, enabling quick access to AI-powered search features.
The AI Mode shortcut first appeared in April for Search Labs experiment participants. Now, this icon is reportedly rolling out to a broader user base. The shortcut appears in the Google app’s widget as the third icon and within the app’s search box. This aims to streamline access to the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search experience interface.
According to a report by 9to5Google, the wide rollout of the AI Mode widget shortcut is occurring for more Android users globally. Google is reportedly implementing this new shortcut with Google app version 16.28. The AI Mode shortcut will be available in the app’s 4×1 widget, which includes the search bar.
The standard search bar widget typically features two shortcuts: one for the microphone and another for Google Lens. With this update, Android users will observe a third icon positioned at the far right. This icon combines a magnifying glass and the Gemini sparkle symbol, enclosed within its own circle. Users who do not see the icon directly can long-press the widget to access the settings or customization panel, navigate to shortcuts, and select AI Mode from the provided list. It is located in the second position of this list.
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While this offers the quickest route to AI Mode, the icon is also now visible within the Google app itself. For users enrolled in the AI Mode experiment via Search Lab, the icon will appear within the search box. If not enrolled, the icon will be displayed below the search bar, alongside options for the microphone, Lens, and Lens gallery.
The report noted the icon’s visibility within the Discover feed interface’s search bar; however, Gadgets 360 staff had not observed this. This suggests the shortcut’s expansion might not extend beyond the US at this time. Users in the US now also have access to the Search Live feature within AI Mode, which can be activated through Search Labs.
