Search engine giant Google is taking a ‘new year, new me’ approach in 2026 with further changes to its search interface.
Google is currently testing a redesigned search bar, which will see the AI Mode, lens and microphone buttons disappear from their usual place on the right-hand side of the search bar.
As soon as a user starts typing a search query, these buttons disappear and are replaced by a blue ‘Send’ arrow.
Clicking this ‘Send’ button prompts a traditional Google search, rather than directing users to AI Mode.
AI Mode is designed to provide users with AI (artificial intelligence)-generated answers displayed directly on the results page. It works by synthesising information from multiple sources across the web to provide a single response to a user’s search query.
While this can be helpful, it typically results in fewer website clicks, as users often don’t need to visit a website to get their answer.
Traditional search works differently, showing users a list of links and encouraging them to click through to a website to find the information they’re looking for. Traditional search typically leads to more website visits.
Previously, it was much easier for users to enter AI Mode when searching on Google. With this update, Google appears to be giving more prominence to its traditional search engine results page.
This change is significant for website owners and search engine optimisers alike, as it suggests that Google is reducing the visibility of AI-generated results in favour of organic search listings.
For businesses, this reinforces the importance of ongoing search engine optimisation (SEO) to help remain visible within traditional search results, where users are actively searching for information, products and services.
Need help increasing the visibility of your website in both traditional and AI-generated search results? Reach out to the team at Engage Web today.
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