Google tests blue Send button that replaces AI Mode in the search box

Google is testing showing a blue “Send” button in the search box as you begin to type your query. The AI Mode button, which now shows at the right side of that search box disappears as you type your query and is replaced by this Send button.

What it looks like. Shameem Adhikarath spotted this and posted a video of it on X:

As you can see, as you begin typing your query, the AI Mode, Lens and Microphone buttons all disappear and is replaced by this blue Send button.

That plus sign still remains, so that was not removed.

Why we care. Firstly, this is just a test but if this launches, this may send fewer people to Google’s AI Mode and more searchers to Google Search.

If you begin to type a query and the AI Mode button disappears, going directly to AI Mode is a bit harder.