TLDR: Google has rolled out an ‘AI Mode’ shortcut directly on the Android Search widget, making its AI capabilities more accessible to a wider range of Android users beyond Pixel devices. This update aims to reduce friction in accessing AI tools within Search, including advanced features like Gemini 2.5 Pro and AI-powered calling for subscribers.
Google has significantly enhanced the accessibility of its artificial intelligence features on Android by introducing an ‘AI Mode’ option directly on the Android Search widget. This new shortcut, which began rolling out more widely on July 28, 2025, is now available on most Android phones, expanding its reach beyond the previously limited Pixel devices.
The integration is designed to provide users with instant access to Google’s AI tools directly from their home screen, aiming to create a more seamless and less cumbersome experience. To utilize this new feature, users will need to update their Google app to version 16.28 and then customize their Search widget to include the AI Mode shortcut.
This development is part of Google’s ongoing effort to evolve its Search platform into a more intelligent and proactive assistant. The AI Mode itself has seen further enhancements, particularly for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers. As of July 16, 2025, these subscribers gained access to Gemini 2.5 Pro within AI Mode, Google’s most intelligent AI model, which excels in advanced reasoning, math, and coding questions. Subscribers can select this model from a drop-down menu within the AI Mode tab, while the default model remains available for general assistance.
Beyond the Gemini 2.5 Pro integration, Google is also rolling out other powerful AI capabilities within Search. This includes ‘Deep Search,’ a feature designed for more extensive research requests that can perform hundreds of background searches and summarize findings in a cited report. Additionally, a new agentic capability allows Search to make AI-powered calls to local businesses on a user’s behalf to gather information like pricing and availability. This feature is starting to roll out to all U.S. Search users, with Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers receiving higher usage limits. Businesses maintain control over this interaction through their Business Profile settings.
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These updates underscore Google’s commitment to embedding advanced AI directly into everyday search experiences, transforming it from a static search box into a dynamic, action-driven smart assistant.
