Google adds new ‘AI Mode’ button to Chrome on iPhone and iPad

Google is enhancing its Chrome browser for iPhone and iPad users with the introduction of a new “AI Mode” button, bringing mobile functionality in line with the desktop version. The feature appears prominently below the Google search bar, right beside the Incognito Mode icon, offering a more intuitive way to access Google’s advanced AI features without digging through menus or settings.

The AI Mode button provides direct access to Chrome’s Gemini-powered AI search tool, allowing users to perform more complex and conversational queries. Unlike standard searches, Gemini can handle multi-part questions, interpret context, and build on previous answers, making it particularly useful for research, travel planning, or troubleshooting tasks. For instance, users can ask follow-up questions or refine results in natural language, turning Chrome into an intelligent assistant rather than just a web browser.

According to Google, the feature is designed to bridge the gap between search and conversation, enabling smoother and faster discovery of information. It also leverages on-device and cloud-based AI capabilities to deliver responses more efficiently. The integration of Gemini into Chrome highlights Google’s broader effort to weave generative AI tools across its ecosystem, aligning with similar updates in products like Gmail, Docs, and the Android operating system.

For now, the AI Mode button is rolling out to users in the United States on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, with a global expansion planned in the coming weeks. Users outside the U.S. may need to wait for regional availability, as Google continues to refine the experience and ensure compliance with local data policies.