Google is reportedly expanding the rollout of its AI Mode shortcut in the Google app for Android, originally introduced in April for Search Labs participants. According to a 9to5Google report, the feature is now reaching a wider global audience with Google app version 16.28.
The AI Mode shortcut icon appears in two key areas: the app’s 4×1 search bar widget and inside the Google app’s search box. Typically, the widget includes shortcuts for the microphone and Google Lens, but now users will notice a third icon—featuring a magnifying glass with the Gemini sparkle—on the right-most end. If not visible by default, users can long-press the widget, go to settings, and manually enable the AI Mode shortcut from the list.
Users who joined the AI Mode experiment via Search Labs will also see the icon directly in the search bar inside the app. Those who haven’t signed up will find it below the search field alongside icons for microphone, Lens, and the Lens gallery.
Interestingly, the icon is reportedly appearing in the Discover feed’s search bar as well, although this may currently be limited to users in the United States. Additionally, US users now have access to the Search Live feature within AI Mode, activated through Search Labs.