Introduction: A New Era of Search Has Arrived in the UK
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the digital world, Google is leading the charge with the official rollout of Google AI Mode in the UK. As of 28 July 2025, British users can now access a groundbreaking AI-powered search experience that merges traditional search with conversational intelligence powered by Gemini 2.5.
From planning holidays and comparing products to solving complex problems or learning new skills, Google AI Mode offers a revolutionary way to interact with information online. This article explores what Google AI Mode is, how it works, how to access it in the UK, and why it’s a game-changer for anyone who uses the internet to learn, shop, or get things done.
What Is Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is a next-generation conversational search feature that uses Gemini 2.5, Google’s most advanced AI model to date. It allows users to ask detailed, multi-part questions and receive intelligent, comprehensive answers – similar to chatting with an AI assistant, but deeply integrated into Google Search.
It’s much more than a simple list of links or a featured snippet. With AI Mode, Google “thinks through” your question, breaks it down into sub-queries, and then synthesises information from multiple sources into a single, easy-to-read response. And if you have a follow-up question? You can just ask it—Google remembers the context.
Key Features of Google AI Mode
1. Conversational Search
You can engage with Google as if you were chatting with a knowledgeable assistant. Ask a question, get a thoughtful answer, then dig deeper with follow-ups—all within one search experience.
2. Multimodal Input
In addition to typing, you can ask questions via voice or upload images for context, thanks to Google Lens integration. Want to know what kind of plant you’re looking at or compare types of trainers? Just snap and search.
3. Gemini 2.5 Intelligence
Built on Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro model, AI Mode understands context, reasoning, tone, and complex relationships between ideas. It’s more accurate, helpful, and “human-like” than any previous Google tool.
4. Deep Search (Labs Exclusive)
For those who enable Search Labs, an optional experimental platform, AI Mode unlocks Deep Search, a feature that lets Google dig much deeper than regular search for highly technical or niche topics.
5. Interactive Web Experience
Each AI answer includes links to sources, related searches, and further actions you can take—like booking flights, checking prices, or watching a video tutorial.
How Does Google AI Mode Work?
Google AI Mode operates on a multi-step process behind the scenes:
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It parses your question into a series of micro-queries.
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Then, it conducts parallel searches across multiple sources and formats (text, images, videos, structured data).
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Next, the Gemini model synthesises a comprehensive response that’s clear, actionable, and trustworthy.
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Finally, it presents the result in an AI-powered interface with interactive cards, visuals, links, and summarised data.
It’s a smart evolution of the familiar Google Search you know—just faster, deeper, and more helpful.
How to Access Google AI Mode in the UK
As of July 28, 2025, AI Mode is available to UK users across desktop, mobile browsers, and the Google app. Here’s how to activate or check if it’s available to you:
✅ On Desktop
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Visit google.com.
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Enter your query.
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If eligible, a new “AI Mode” tab will appear next to “All,” “Images,” “Videos,” etc.
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Click the “AI Mode” tab to see your results in conversational format.
✅ On Mobile
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Open the Google App or use Google Search on your mobile browser.
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Search as usual. If AI Mode is active, you’ll see AI-powered results with follow-up prompts or an “Ask a follow-up” bar.
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You may also see “Try in AI Mode” under the search bar.
✅ Through Google Lens
You can use Google Lens to ask AI Mode questions via photos:
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Tap the camera icon in Google Search or app.
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Upload or snap a photo.
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Tap “Ask with AI Mode” if the feature is available.
✅ Via Search Labs (Optional)
For access to beta features like Deep Search or early rollouts:
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Log in to your Google Account (must be 18+).
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Visit labs.google.com/search or open the Google App and tap your profile > Labs.
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Toggle AI Mode and Deep Search to ON.
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Start searching and interacting using these experimental tools.
Who Can Use AI Mode in the UK?
As of the current rollout:
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It’s available in English only in the UK.
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You must be signed into a Google Account.
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You must have Web & App Activity turned on for continuity.
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AI Mode is available to both free and paid Google users.
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Access is being phased, so not all users may see it immediately, but full rollout is expected by early August 2025.
What Can You Use Google AI Mode For?
The possibilities are virtually endless. Here are real-world examples of how UK users can benefit:
🎓 Learning and Research
Ask AI Mode to explain complex topics like “quantum computing in simple terms” or compare historical events like “British Empire vs Roman Empire expansion.”
✈️ Travel Planning
Request full itineraries like “5-day family trip to Cornwall with kids, beaches and museums included,” complete with accommodation links, weather forecasts, and tips.
🍳 Cooking & Recipes
Search “What can I cook with aubergines, feta, and couscous?” and get an AI-generated recipe and nutritional facts.
🛍️ Product Comparison
Compare “Best budget smartphones under £400 in the UK 2025” and receive a neatly summarised analysis of features, reviews, and links to purchase.
🧠 Decision Support
Use AI Mode to ask “Should I lease or buy a car in the UK 2025?” or “Which university is better for law: Durham or Exeter?”
📸 Visual Queries
Snap a photo of a plant or product and ask, “What is this?”—AI Mode will identify it, explain it, and offer related info.
Is Google AI Mode Replacing Traditional Search?
Not exactly. Google AI Mode runs alongside traditional search and does not eliminate standard results. You can always toggle between the classic “10 blue links” and the new conversational interface.
This dual system allows users to:
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Use AI Mode for deep understanding
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Use traditional Search for rapid link-clicking
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Combine both for maximum utility
Privacy and Data in AI Mode
Google AI Mode does collect and process query data to improve its responses. However:
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You can delete or manage your AI interactions via myactivity.google.com.
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AI Mode does not use your private Gmail, Drive, or personal data unless explicitly enabled in the future.
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Google states that AI Mode responses are not advertisements and sources are always listed transparently.
What’s Coming Next?
Google plans to expand AI Mode with even more features over the coming months:
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Multi-language support for European markets.
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Third-party integrations (e.g., booking flights directly from AI Mode).
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Expanded Deep Search for professionals and researchers.
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Generative visuals that help explain complex subjects using infographics and animations.
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Potential offline AI Mode powered by on-device Gemini Nano in future Pixel devices.
Expert Commentary: Why This Matters
According to Google CEO Sundar Pichai:
“AI Mode is not just a new way to search—it’s a new way to think, discover, and take action online. We’re building the foundation of the next era of information.”
Industry experts suggest that Google AI Mode is a strategic response to growing competition from ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity AI. With this move, Google reclaims its throne as the world’s most powerful search platform, now infused with world-class generative AI.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Google AI Mode in the UK?
If you’re a curious learner, a busy professional, or just someone who wants better answers faster, Google AI Mode is a must-try. Its integration into daily search tasks can save time, reduce confusion, and open up new opportunities to learn, buy, travel, or explore.
As AI Mode continues to evolve, expect even more personalisation, accuracy, and capability. Whether you’re on a desktop in London or using your mobile in Newcastle, this new way to search is here—and it’s only getting smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Google AI Mode free?
A: Yes, it’s completely free for all Google users.
Q: Can I disable AI Mode?
A: You can avoid using the AI Mode tab, or disable experimental features in Search Labs.
Q: What if I don’t see AI Mode yet?
A: The rollout is ongoing. Make sure you’re signed in, using English, and have Web & App Activity enabled.
Q: Can I use AI Mode for business queries?
A: Absolutely. From market research to product comparisons, AI Mode is useful across business use cases.