A subtle but notable change to google.com
The Google Search homepage, which historically changes very little, has received a quiet but meaningful update. After introducing an AI Mode shortcut earlier this year, Google has now added a new “plus” menu directly inside the Search bar on desktop.
The update signals Google’s continued push to position Search not just as a tool for finding information, but as a platform for completing tasks using artificial intelligence.
What the new plus menu does
On desktop web, the traditional magnifying glass icon on the left side of the Search bar has been replaced with a plus symbol. Clicking it opens a small menu with two options:
- Upload image
- Upload file
While these features already existed elsewhere in Google Search, the new placement makes them far more visible and closely mirrors the interface used in Google’s AI Mode experience.
Tighter integration with AI Mode
The updated menu reinforces that image and file uploads can be used alongside AI Mode and AI Overviews. This helps communicate that users can actively interact with Search using their own content, rather than relying solely on text queries.
The change also aligns with Google’s broader strategy of blending traditional search with generative AI capabilities in a more seamless way.
Availability and platform differences
The new plus menu is currently available only on the desktop web version of google.com. It does not appear on mobile browsers. Testing shows the feature is live across devices and even appears in signed-out and Incognito sessions.
Separately, Google has made a related interface change in the iOS Google app. The Google Labs beaker icon in the top-left corner of the Home tab has been replaced with a shortcut that opens AI Mode history. This makes it easier for users to revisit previous AI interactions.
This AI history shortcut is not yet available on Android.
Additional interface refinements
Google has also adjusted the AI Mode home and prompt page layout. The refreshed history button now appears on the left side of the interface, while the back or dismiss button has been moved to the right, improving consistency and usability.
Together, these changes reflect Google’s ongoing effort to make AI-powered search features more discoverable and integrated into everyday use.