Google tests default AI Mode in Chrome Canary
Windows Report discovers experimental feature in Chrome Canary that directs queries straight to AI Mode, following the launch of the Intelligent Search Box at I/O 2026.
Google is currently testing a hidden experimental feature in Chrome Canary that directs search queries straight to AI Mode by default, bypassing traditional search results. The experimental flag, titled "Fulfill Searchbox Queries in AI Mode," is currently available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS. Although the feature appears more complete than typical prototypes, code comments indicate there are no current plans to roll it out to the general public.
This testing follows the launch of the "Intelligent Search Box" at I/O 2026, which accepts videos, images, files, and Chrome tabs as inputs. The discovery was made by Windows Report, which confirmed the flag's functionality and noted that the interface resembles a chatbot conversation rather than the standard Google search results page.
In the regular Chrome browser, users are directed to an "All" page featuring an AI Overview summary followed by blue links, requiring them to manually tab over to AI Mode if they wish to use it. The Canary test removes this intermediate step, sending users directly to the AI interface when they enter a query.
DuckDuckGo experienced a surge in installs and usage following the I/O 2026 announcement, likely due to users seeking alternatives that do not force AI integration. This market reaction highlights the sensitivity surrounding the integration of artificial intelligence into core search functionalities.
The flag’s description confirms its availability across major operating systems, yet the underlying code suggests a cautious approach from the search giant. A note from the author of the flag's code states: "This is just for exploration. There are no current plans to push this live."
Chrome Canary is the browser's most experimental variant, intended for developers and early adopters who are willing to navigate potential instability in exchange for access to new features. The current test phase allows Google to gather data on user interaction with a default AI-first search experience without impacting the broader user base.
The long-term viability of the feature remains uncertain, as Google has stated there are no current plans to push it live. The specific impact on user behaviour and search engine market share remains unquantified, leaving the industry to watch how such shifts in search dynamics might evolve.
