Amid all the major Google news, one subtle change is going largely unnoticed. A long-standing feature on Google’s homepage—predating even the google.com domain—might be on its way out. The iconic “I’m Feeling Lucky” button, once a symbol of Google’s confidence in its search accuracy, could be replaced by an “AI Mode” button, according to user reports. This shift, currently being tested, suggests the one-click search function may soon give way to Google’s expanding AI integration (source: The Verge via 9to5Google).
Another marker of how far Google has come
A throwback to Google’s early days as a simple search engine, the “I’m Feeling Lucky” button is a relic from a time before the company evolved into today’s vast information hub. Designed to take users directly to the top search result—bypassing the usual list entirely—it also offered quirky surprises when clicked with an empty search bar, or playful variations like “I’m Feeling Curious” when hovered over.
Now, this nostalgic feature may soon disappear. According to reports from some U.S. users, Google is testing a layout that replaces the long-standing button with a new “AI Mode.” As the company continues its rapid integration of artificial intelligence, even the homepage isn’t immune to change—potentially ending the decades-long run of one of its most iconic elements.
Google has long embraced A/B testing, but this latest experiment seems to take things a step further—perhaps A/B/C/D testing. For some users, the “AI Mode” button quietly replaces “I’m Feeling Lucky” without any special attention. Others report seeing the new AI feature highlighted with a colorful border, sometimes even animated on hover. In another variation, AI Mode appears as a shortcut within the search bar itself, leaving the classic “I’m Feeling Lucky” button untouched below. The varied rollout underscores Google’s careful approach to introducing changes—even to its most iconic elements.
The potential retirement of “I’m Feeling Lucky” likely won’t impact the average user’s day-to-day Google searches—but its legacy makes it a meaningful change. The variety of test layouts shows Google isn’t taking the decision lightly, exploring several options to get the rollout just right. Whether AI Mode ends up replacing the button entirely or coexisting alongside it, the shift highlights how much both Google and the broader internet have evolved. After all, Google doesn’t make changes to its iconic homepage on a whim—this is a clear signal of the growing centrality of AI in its future.